Taylor Sumption, a South Dakota farmer who created his own oatmeal, discusses his journey with Anthem Oats and the rise of smaller companies in the oat industry. He also opens up about his struggles with a back injury and pain management, as well as reflecting on a traumatic accident. The podcast offers advice for starting a business and shares the origin of the business name.
Thorough research and utilizing resources are crucial when starting a value-added business in the food industry.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and seeking outside experience are key factors in building a successful farming business.
Deep dives
Taylor Sumption's Journey with Oatmeal and Overcoming Challenges
Taylor Sumption, the owner of Anthem Oats, shares his experience of starting an oatmeal business and the challenges he faced. He emphasizes the importance of doing thorough research and utilizing resources such as value-added agriculture organizations and state grants. Taylor advises against relying heavily on consultants and suggests reaching out to established businesses for advice. He also highlights the need for authenticity and transparency in the food industry, aiming to provide customers with honest labeling and quality products. Additionally, Taylor reflects on the impact of his own personal struggles, including a back injury and a traumatic brain injury. He encourages farmers to find a healthy balance between work and personal life while being aware of their physical and mental well-being. Taylor's story showcases the journey of pursuing a passion, overcoming obstacles, and continuously striving for improvement.
Taylor Sumption's Approach to Building a Successful Farming Business
Taylor Sumption, the owner of Anthem Oats, provides insights into building a successful farming business. He advises farmers to take the time to reflect on their progress and ensure they maintain a healthy work-life balance. Taylor encourages young farmers to gain experience outside of their family farm, allowing them to develop different perspectives and skills. He stresses the importance of upfront and honest communication with family members when it comes to succession planning. Taylor also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the food industry, particularly regarding consumer demand for regenerative and sustainable practices. He encourages farmers to seek out state and university resources, as well as established businesses, for support and guidance when starting a new venture.
Taylor Sumption's Journey of Recovery and Resilience
Taylor Sumption, the owner of Anthem Oats, shares his personal journey of recovery and resilience. He opens up about his struggles with back injuries, opioid addiction, and the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury. Taylor emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, awareness, and seeking help when facing personal challenges. He encourages farmers to prioritize their physical and mental well-being and highlights the need for open conversations in the farming community. Taylor also discusses the deceptive practices and misinformation prevalent in the food industry and emphasizes Anthem Oats' commitment to transparency and authenticity in their products. Through his own experiences, Taylor highlights the power of perseverance and the ability to rediscover purpose and passion in life.
Taylor Sumption's Advice for Farmers Starting a Value-Added Business
Taylor Sumption, the owner of Anthem Oats, offers valuable advice for farmers starting a value-added business. He recommends conducting thorough research and utilizing resources such as state organizations and grants to assess the feasibility of their ideas. Taylor shares his cautionary experience about relying excessively on expensive consultants and encourages farmers to connect with established businesses in their desired industry for guidance. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and honesty in food labeling and consumer communication. Taylor suggests that farmers focus on moderation, balance, and maintaining a connection with the community. He also underscores the significance of financial stability and a work-life balance while pursuing a value-added business venture.