The Farmer’s Code: How Legacies are Built, by Mike C. Young

Reviewed by Erika Guay 

How does one make a farm last through several generations? Not just that the farm is successfully passed from one generation to another, but how can families find harmony together, be happy to work together, while ensuring lasting foundations?

Mike C. Young is one of the lucky few in the 4th generation, with the 5th generation ready to take on the task. This book is his manifesto, his secret recipe, the code that has led his family to success. Young uses this book to present his personal brand of agricultural success that has grown well past the “farm stand” to a multimillion-dollar company rooted in agriculture and real estate.

At the outset, this text aims to take us on a journey with an American farm family as they find success in their agricultural livelihood. However, it is truly a guide full of lessons on self-improvement. If you can work on yourself, then that work can ripple to your family, community, and eventually, the future generations. Young often encourages reflection and examination of your actions, ethics, and integrity, which mirror what has served his family well.

Starting with self-awareness, self-improvement, and unpacking your character, Young then outlines a framework for meaningful growth. The text is laid out in 15 chapters, divided into four parts that examine each side of building long-term success. Part one explores the concept of “me” and how to discover your identity. Part two focuses on the “us” or the relationships surrounding you. Part three looks to the larger communities outside of your immediate relationships, and Part four looks to the future generations. Each chapter extols on a part of Young’s “code” and larger metaphor to build from “planting” to “harvest.”

The real gem of this book is in the style. It is an enjoyable, shorter summer read that begs to be mulled over by the fire in the winter. Young’s writing intersperses both personal and traditional stories with advice, which means you often breeze through chapters before you even realize it. It has a dynamic layout and beautiful graphics, with easily readable fonts.  

What makes The Farmer’s Code stand out is the many connections Young makes from his code to other leaders or inspirations. Among the myriad of family stories are discourses from writers, such as Jack Daly and John Keats, and lessons from his faith. The book creates a practical yet inspiring framework for growth. Legacy is about how we love, lead, and serve others. The result is a positive, hopeful guide that encourages readers to focus not just on success but on a legacy rooted in character, values, and service to others.

Erika Guay is a college professor, hobby homestead farmer, and maple sugarmaker in Upstate NY