Innovation from Tradition
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, innovation is a new idea, method or device, whereas tradition is an inherited, established or customary pattern of thought, action or behavior. Innovation and tradition are often in juxtaposition … (cough, cough “that’s not how we’ve always done it”) … but what if that doesn’t have to be the case. What if innovation is forged from tradition?
In the ag industry, we find ourselves in a constant tug and pull between preserving tradition (after all, there’s something to be said about the tried and true — and all the work to get there) and embracing new ways of thinking and doing. With the current uncertainty of the ag economy (and really economic affairs in general), it can feel daunting to accept any new risks. These are unpredictable times, but we can’t be afraid of change and taking calculated risks.
We’ve spent the past year reflecting on how we’ve grown and evolved throughout our 90 years in business. As we evaluate our times of change, a pattern can be found. During these times, we’ve been challenged to innovate by a few different things: customer needs, industry changes, economic conditions or new opportunities.
We’ve also spent this past year highlighting long-term customers coming from generational operations. In doing so, we couldn’t help but also find similar patterns — those where strong foundations have allowed future generations to try new things both big and small to benefit the operation. Innovation from tradition.
We are surrounded by innovative people in the ag industry. Whether it’s recycling waste into compost, implementing unique nutrient management practices like saturated buffers, using equipment for different applications in the off-season, trialing new field practices and products or a plethora of other ideas that could take multiple Roots magazines to cover. Some of these innovative ideas are ones that were originally shirked off or not taken seriously. Today they are possible.
When purposeful evolution is rooted in tradition, what seems far-fetched can become a reality. In the coming years, as you navigate both trials and tribulations, we challenge you to find ways in your operation you can move the needle to keep both tradition and innovation alive. As we offer that challenge to you, it’s something we too are focusing on, holding tight to providing the best service possible while adapting to the ever-changing needs of the industry, the world and you.
