Institute for Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurial Education Partner
On Monday, August 26th, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the privilege of spending the morning with Marsha and Tom Boyd at Boyd Grain. Tom Boyd, a visionary in the farm and trucking industry, shared insights from his journey of expanding his operations from 800 to over 12,000 acres and maintaining a fleet of over 100 semis on the road.
Tom emphasized two critical life lessons: the importance of punctuality and the significance of relationships. He illustrated how being consistently late, even by 15 minutes, can accumulate into significant costs for a company. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people, reflecting on how relationships shape one’s character and success.
Tom and Marsha also discussed the numerous challenges farmers face, including disease, price fluctuations, inflation, technological advancements, employee management, government regulations, foreign land purchases, and GMOs. Despite these hurdles, they described farming as a rewarding life, provided one is willing to put in the hard work.
Running a farm, Tom noted, is a continual learning process, from selling grain to staying up-to-date with technology. His emphasis on punctuality has been a cornerstone of Boyd Grain’s success, creating a culture of dependability that permeates every aspect of the business. Tom also touched on the seemingly small but significant issue of unpopped kernels left in a bag of popcorn "old maids". In the agricultural world, this is comparable to losses in farming, such as crops left unharvested or grain wasted during processing. Tom’s attention to detail and his commitment to reducing such "old maids" on his farm have contributed to Boyd Grain’s success.
From its humble beginnings, Boyd Grain has grown into a substantial operation, cultivating 12,000 acres of land. This growth is a testament to Tom’s dedication, the support of his family, and the efforts of his exceptional team. Tom recognizes that his success is a collective achievement, built on the hard work and shared goals of his employees and family. Through mutual respect and support, Boyd Grain has become an agricultural powerhouse, contributing to both the local economy and national food security.
Thank you, Marsha and Tom for sharing such valuable information, your time and giving us a tour this morning.
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