Balancing On-Farm and Off-Farm Careers

For Tyson Walters, success isn’t about excelling in just one area, but thriving in two that complement each other. As Head of Direct Procurement for North America at Syngenta, Walters works closely with growers and vendors, overseeing everything from seed treatments to packaging. His work supports global agriculture and helps foster lasting relationships with corn and soybean growers across the U.S.

When Walters isn’t managing his corporate responsibilities, you can find him at Walters Brothers Farm LLC, his family’s fourth-generation operation in central Illinois. Spanning nearly 850 acres, the farm grows corn and soybeans. Together with his brother, Walters manages the farm while balancing the demands of his corporate role and, more importantly, his family life.

Balancing Corporate Work and Farming

Farming has been part of Walters’ life for as long as he can remember, and his position at Syngenta allows him to balance both worlds. “Syngenta has really supported my work-life balance,” he says. “The ability to work from home and set my own schedule has made a huge difference, especially compared to other jobs in agriculture that require you to be in the field or at the office all the time.”

However, this flexibility is a rare exception. For most farmers, balancing a full-time career with farming is a constant challenge. A study from the University of Illinois found that farmers often face worse mental health than the general population, with 34% showing signs of anxiety and 26.3% experiencing depression. These statistics highlight the overwhelming stressors that come with farming, such as financial pressures, time constraints and a lack of social support.

“Farming doesn’t offer the same benefits as other careers — things like health insurance or retirement plans — so you’re juggling a lot just to keep things afloat,” Walters explains.

Health Emergency Leads to a Pivotal Moment

When Walters’ son was 18 months old, he faced a serious health crisis that led to a six-month stay at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. During that time, Walters’ manager at Syngenta was supportive, offering the flexibility he needed to balance work and family. “It made all the difference,” he says. “I was able to stay connected with my job while also being there for my son.”

Thanks to the flexibility of his role and technology, Walters was able to work remotely from the hospital. “I could respond to emails in the evenings when things settled down. It wasn’t easy, but it allowed me to stay involved with my team while being there for my family,” he says. This experience reinforced how crucial work-life balance is, especially in times of crisis.

Tips for Balancing Work, Farming & Family Life

Managing a demanding job, farming and family life isn’t easy, but Walters developed a few strategies to keep everything running smoothly. The key? Preparation, technology and clear communication.

“Preparation is everything,” he says. “A lot of it comes down to the prep work I do before the day even starts. Staying organized and knowing what needs to get done makes everything easier to manage, whether I’m scheduling meetings or handling farm operations.”

Technology plays a major role too. With up to 15 Zoom meetings a day, staying connected is critical. “Technology has been a game-changer for work-life balance,” he says. “Having the right tools helps me manage both work and farm tasks, even during the busiest periods.”

Finally, clear communication is a must. Regular check-ins with his team keep everyone aligned, even during hectic times. “Over-communicating, even when you think it’s enough, helps keep everyone engaged and reassured,” Walters says. When things get chaotic, he ensures his team stays informed, which helps the work progress smoothly despite the distractions.

Walters’ story proves that with flexibility, technology and strong communication, it’s possible to thrive in both worlds. With careful planning, ongoing support, and a focus on what matters most, it’s clear that it’s not only possible to maintain both, but to excel in each.