Any successful farmer will tell you that running a farm is like running any business. The most important thing is to know your product. Ervin Zubic has always had a passion for farming, so he decided to make his passion his livelihood. But there is so much more to farming than just planning seeds. Ervin Zubic knows that to be successful, a farmer needs to know a lot about his land and the products or animals he plans to raise.

“Each and every animal and plant is different and complicated,” says Ervin Zubic, “You need to know the characteristic of your crops and livestock, what diseases they are prone to getting, and how to control them.”
But knowing the ins and outs of your product is not enough. Ervin Zubic knows that to be a successful farmer, you need to have a sense of business. Ervin Zubic is able to sell his product where it is most profitable. In addition, he keeps good financial records and thinks ahead to increase the chances of a plentiful and profitable harvest.

“There are so many factors that go into growing a successful business in farming,” says Ervin Zubic, “If you are not a good businessman, you cannot be a good farmer.”

There were many things Ervin Zubic considered before buying a farm. He knew he wanted to raise hogs and grow corn on his farm, so Ervin Zubic knew that Iowa was a good choice. Certain crops and animals will only thrive in certain places. Ervin Zubic knew that climate and soil were the two most important things when choosing where to farm.

“Where you choose to farm will be the most important decision you make,” says Ervin Zubic, “You don’t want to introduce a new crop or animal to a particular area that does not already have it. Chances are that if it does not already exist in the area, then it is not a place that product will thrive.”

One thing Ervin Zubic never does is cut corners. Ervin Zubic only wants to produce the highest quality products and he knows that cutting corners never pays off in the end.

“It may be tough at first, but the rewards are worth the hard work and sweat you put into it,” says Ervin Zubic.