The Unwritten Rules of Farming (That Everyone Knows)

The Unwritten Rules of Farming (That Everyone Knows)

Farming may have official rules—like best planting practices, equipment safety guidelines, and livestock management—but let’s be real: there’s a whole other set of unwritten rules that every farmer just seems to know. These aren’t found in any manual, but if you’ve spent any time on a farm, you’ve probably learned them the hard way.

So, for those new to farm life (or just needing a laugh), here’s a breakdown of the unofficial but universally accepted rules of farming.

1. Never Trust the Weather Forecast

The weatherman says 0% chance of rain? Better bring a raincoat.Calling for a huge storm? Expect nothing but sunshine.

Farming 101: The weather will do whatever it wants, regardless of what any forecast says. The best way to predict it? Check what your neighbor is doing. If they’re baling hay, it’s about to rain. If they’re putting off fieldwork, it’ll stay dry for weeks.

2. Always Wave to Other Trucks (Even If You Don’t Know Them)

Driving on a country road? Hand goes up.Passing a tractor? Two-finger steering wheel wave.See the same truck five times in one day? Still gotta wave.

It’s just the rule. City folks may not get it, but out here, a wave is the official farm greeting. Ignore it, and people might assume you’re “not from around here.”

3. If You Borrow a Neighbor’s Tool, It’s Basically Theirs Now

If you lend something out, don’t expect to see it again anytime soon. It’s now on permanent loan until one of you forgets who originally owned it.

Want to guarantee you get it back? Only lend out broken tools. Those come back faster than a cow to fresh pasture.

4. “I’ll Be There in Five” Means… Eventually

If a farmer says they’ll be there in five minutes, they really mean:

• “I just have to finish this one thing” (which is probably three things).

• “I need to check something real quick” (which turns into fixing something).

• “Give me five more minutes” (which means start without them).

Farming runs on its own time zone. Plans change. Equipment breaks. Cows get out. Expect delays.

5. If the Gate is Open, They’ll Stay Put. If It’s Closed, They’ll Escape.

Livestock have an uncanny ability to find weak spots in fences the moment you get comfortable. If a gate is accidentally left open, animals won’t care. But if you secure every single latch? They’ll be halfway to town before you notice.

This is why every farmer’s daily routine includes at least one unexpected animal chase.

6. “Good Enough” is an Official Farm Measurement

Level? Good enough.Straight? Close enough.Fixed? Well, it works… for now.

Perfect is for Pinterest. Farm fixes are built to last… until they break again.

7. Never Park the Truck in the Only Dry Spot

If you leave your truck in the driest, safest part of the field, congratulations—you’ve just guaranteed that’s where you’ll need to drive heavy equipment later. And guess what? That truck isn’t going anywhere without a tow.

For best results, park somewhere inconvenient, so at least you’re consistent.

8. The Best Tools Are the Ones You Can’t Find

Farm tools have an incredible ability to disappear right when you need them most. You can spend hours searching, only to find it in the last place you’d ever expect—usually right where you left it.

The only guaranteed way to find a missing tool? Go buy a new one. The old one will show up immediately.

9. The Tractor Will Break Down at the Worst Possible Time

Not when you have weeks to spare.Not when the dealership is open.Not when you have extra hands to help.

It will break exactly when you’re on a deadline, when the weather is turning bad, or when you’re too far from the shop to walk back. Bonus points if it happens right after you said, “Everything’s running great today!”

10. If You Complain About the Rain, You’ll Get a Drought

And if you complain about a drought, it’ll rain for two weeks straight. Farming is one big balancing act with Mother Nature, and she has a wicked sense of humor.

11. If You Finish Early, Something is Definitely Wrong

Done before sunset? Check again. You probably forgot something—or something is about to break. Farming never wraps up early without consequences.

12. Your Dog is Actually the Farm Boss

Every good farm has a dog, and while you may think you’re in charge, the dog knows otherwise.

Farm dogs run the operation. They patrol the land, chase off intruders, and monitor all activity. Ignore their judgment at your own risk.

Know Any Other Unwritten Farm Rules?

Farming is full of traditions, superstitions, and good old-fashioned common sense (and nonsense). What’s an unwritten farm rule that you swear by?

Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear it!

At Edgewater Mills, we know that farming isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. And whether you’re following the rules or just making them up as you go, we’re here to keep your livestock well-fed with high-quality grain and feed you can count on.

Need a reliable feed partner? Contact us today!