Seasonal Reflection: Finding Success Beyond the Bottom Line in Farming
By Lesley Kelly, farmer and co-founder of the Do More Agriculture Foundation
As farmers, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers—yields, expenses, profit margins, and the ever-present bottom line. I understand this fully as I am analyzing those numbers and scenarios everyday. But focusing solely on financial outcomes can make us often overlook the real victories that shape our journey. The truth is, success in agriculture isn't always determined by the final line on the financial report. So much lies beyond our control—weather, input costs, markets—and yet, there are meaningful accomplishments worth celebrating.
With the season winding down, now is the perfect time to reflect on what we’ve achieved, not just on paper, but in the ways that truly matter too. Farming success is often found in the small moments of resilience, connection, and personal growth.
Here are some of the wins we can acknowledge and carry forward into the next season:
1. We Showed Up—Even on the Hard Days
There were days when it would’ve been easier to stay in bed, to let the overwhelming workload win. But we kept going, one step at a time, because farming demands that we show up—even when conditions are less than ideal.
2. We Asked for Help When Needed
There’s a mindset in farming that equates strength with self-sufficiency. But true strength lies in knowing when to ask for help. Whether it was leaning on neighbors, family, farm team or community resources, seeking support allowed us to keep moving forward when the load got heavy.
3. We Made Time for Meaningful Conversations
It’s easy to get consumed by tasks and to-do lists, but making space to connect with others—or even reflect inwardly—builds resilience. Whether it was discussing mental health or the day to day struggles, sharing farming stories, or simply listening, these conversations matter just as much as the work we do in the field.
4. We Took Time to Rest
Farming is an endless cycle of planting, growing, tending, and harvesting. But we also recognized that rest is essential. Taking breaks to recharge—whether a few minutes of quiet or a well-earned day off—helped us maintain the stamina needed for the long haul.
5. We Celebrated Small Wins
From repairing equipment just in time to enjoying the first blooms of a healthy crop or seeing a healthy baby calf take those first steps, those small victories kept us going. The to-do list might never end, but each task completed is progress worth celebrating.
6. We Embraced the Joy of Community
No farm stands alone. Whether it’s the people working alongside us, the neighbors or team lending a hand, or family members cheering us on, the strength of community is a win in itself. It reminds us that we are never truly alone on this journey.
7. We Practiced Grace with Ourselves
Progress isn't always about productivity. We learned to offer ourselves grace when things didn’t go as planned—when weather disrupted planting, yields weren’t what we hoped, or equipment gave out. This grace is essential, reminding us that we are more than our outputs.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for the next season, let’s carry forward these victories and lessons. The farm may not always reflect success through numbers, but our efforts, resilience, and connections are every bit as important.
What are you most proud of accomplishing this season? The answer might surprise you. Often, it’s not the grand outcomes that define our success, but the quiet, everyday efforts that truly make a difference. 🌾
If you or someone you care about is struggling with their mental health and you’re not sure what to do, we’ve got you. Reach out and call the Saskatchewan Farm Stress Line at 1-800-667-4442 for advice on how to support them and look after yourself too.