Lessons from LFT Staff: Building relationships, appreciating community, and asking questions

A few weeks ago, we asked staff members to reflect on their time at Lancaster Farmland trust (LFT). What lessons have stuck with them the most? What would they tell their younger selves if they could travel back in time? This week, we’re back with more LFT staff advice to motivate you for a fantastic end of 2024!

Jeb Musser serves as LFT’s VP of Land Protection and started his journey at LFT directly after graduating college. Jeb has worked with farmers for years, and he notes that one of the best lessons he’s learned is that “farmers, and especially Lancaster farmers, are extremely creative.” If he could go back in time and talk to his younger self, he would tell him, “Even if you don’t know the answer to something, the willingness and persistence to track down answers for landowners and farmers goes a long way in relationship-building.”

Jeff Swinehart, LFT’s President and CEO, also began his time at LFT directly after graduating college. After years of traveling the county and monitoring properties, Jeff notes that working at LFT has taught him how expansive Lancaster County is. However, he notes that even though the county is big, its community members care for one another and the land.
“The generosity of our community to invest in something that most will never get to step foot on is simply remarkable. Our farmers are willing to give up hundreds of thousands of dollars of value in their land because they’re committed to preservation; it’s humbling and inspiring,” he says. If he could tell his younger self anything, he would advise him to get comfortable, exclaiming, “Dude, you’re going to be at LFT for a really long time!”

Laura Hershey is LFT’s Land Protection and GIS Specialist, beginning her journey in preservation only 3 years ago. When asked what she’s learned from her time here, she says, “During my time at LFT, I have learned how difficult farming can be. For many farmers, every day contains conscious decisions on how to best manage their farms to make a profit and maintain their lifestyle. Many farmers care so much about their land and what it provides, especially those that have a generational connection. This is why our funding and support, through preservation and conservation practices, are so impactful for them!” If she could go back in time and talk to her younger self, she would remind her that she doesn’t always have to have the answer! “There are a lot of different elements to preservation, conservation, and non-profit work in general,” she says, “and asking questions aids me in better communication with farmers or others who are interested in being involved in the organization!”

Whether you work on farms or know nothing about them, working in agriculture teaches valuable lessons all of us can benefit from. Want to learn more about our staff and their advice? Click here to read our last “Lessons from Staff” blog or click here to check out our “About” page! Everyone at LFT wishes you all the persistence, inspiration, and curiosity in 2025!