By Randy Mulder

Applying a farmer’s strategy to the world of real estate.

Over the years, I have dealt with many people in the agricultural or horticultural world. Farmers need to
have a significant amount of patience, a strong work ethic, and a pragmatic view of their standing in
creation in order to survive and thrive in a very tough and competitive sphere.

One of my favorite conversations with a farmer was with a second generation cash crop and goat farmer
in the West Lincoln area. I asked him how the crazy amount of rain we had in Niagara through the spring
months of that year had affected his ability to do the necessary work to see a successful crop produced
yet. After stating matter-of-factly that his equipment was sitting ready in the garage because the fields
were simply too wet to work on, he shrugged and said, “that’s a farmer’s life”.

There are so many factors completely out of our control, we need to be able to take it in stride, adapt
quickly, and be ready when the fields are.” So a change in crop was necessary – from a long season crop
to a short season crop. The fact that the majority of the local farmers were facing the same decisions
meant that the price of those soon to be rare long season crops would rise, and the return on the soon
to be plentiful short season crops would be less than normal. “We normally live by the motto ‘Plow,
Plant and Pray’, but really it is ‘Pray, Plow, Pray, Plant and Pray.’”

I have often reflected over the years on that simple philosophy, and apply it to my own life and career.
You see, in real estate too, there are numerous factors out of our hands. We really have little or no
control over markets, interest rates, client life decisions, and housing availability.

Yet, we also “plow, plant and pray” in our profession. We “plow” by building and maintaining
relationships with people – our friends, family and associates, usually called our “sphere of influence.”
We plant by staying up to date on the latest information and technology, local zoning bylaws, market
influencers, mortgage rates, etc., by keeping our skills sharp, and by advertising and sharing through
videos, blogs and word-of mouth.

But, just like the farmers, the key to our business is the third P-word. We pray. We pray often. We pray
for and with our clients, our colleagues, and our community. We also pray that God will bless our work.
We pray in the assurance that He hears, and that He answers.

It may not always be the answer that we hope for, but rest assured, He answers. We recognize that
when the “crop” is harvested, it is in many ways like the manna in the desert so many years ago. It is our
daily bread. Then we also offer prayers – prayers of thanksgiving.

As you look at your own work – at home, at school, at the workplace – remember the farmer’s motto.
Plow, plant and pray. Work hard, be prepared, and trust in your Heavenly Father. It’s a recipe for true
success.