Quinlan: Take time to prepare mentally for planting

It won’t be long. Soon planters will roll across fields, starting the journey that makes or breaks our farmers’ hearts, backs and bank accounts.

There’s a lot riding on the unknown — weather, markets, family situations, pandemics, all impact producers. It’s a stressful job.

So, my advice this spring is for farmers to take some time to prepare for the upcoming weeks.

Maybe it means praying. Maybe it’s eating healthy and going for a daily walk. Maybe it means making a plan or a to-do list to prepare yourself for planting season.

Or, the opposite — taking a week off to spend time with family and relax. I know that sounds like a fantasy, but if anyone deserves a vacation, it’s you.

Figure out what you need to start the planting season off in a healthy space. My thoughts are with you as we wait to start planting in 2021.