Wednesday, March 20, 2024

EDITORIAL – What makes a good farmer?

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It seems that everyone has an opinion on the qualities that make up the perfect food producer, especially at the moment when times are tough. Judging by the number of emails I’m getting detailing roadshows and information days, it appears the average farmer isn’t short of advice.
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Whether they are bankers, consultants or other support company staffers or even other farmers, the range of opinion can be overwhelming.

Now, New Zealand farmers are already good at what they do.

But this dairy downturn means almost every farmer will be looking at his or her balance sheet and strategy and looking to make positive changes.

Some will have more room to move than others.

And it’s not just dairy farmers who are making refinements. The best farmers across our industry are constantly looking for improvements and innovations.

What is interesting, more than what others think of farmers, is what they think of themselves.

Survey results released by the Red Meat Profit Partnership last week made for interesting reading.

The results showed many farmers believe profits ae largely driven by off-farm forces.

This suggests most farmers believe their operations are already the best they can be. But not all of them can be right.

The survey found that only 53% of farmers were willing to make changes to their farming practices.

That means almost half believe they’re doing things perfectly.

The point here is that you never stop learning.

As the RMPP states, farmers need to embrace change to ensure more are operating at the highest level.

So talk to the neighbour, go to that discussion group or try that new app you’ve heard about.

Even sign-up for that roadshow – at the very least you’ll probably get a free cup of tea.

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