A word from the CEO

Sowing the Seed

Whilst sowing does vary from season to season, it is always a pressure time in the cropping calendar. We need skills in logistics and human resource management as well as the ability to make quick decisions. This last is particularly important: the timing of operations is critical.  

Added to this is the fact that these decisions are being made when the outcome of the season is largely unknown.  

Last year was a luxury: we hardly had to think about the next rain before it came, just as the doctor ordered.  Admittedly, last year’s wet harvest period gave us rather too much of a good thing, but most farmers pulled through pretty well. 

This year, we are a touch too dry: it’s a familiar feeling. Decisions we are making now will be crucial to the final outcome. 

Moreover, while it is important to have a plan going into sowing, it is equally necessary to take some time post sowing to identify what worked well, what could have been done differently. By taking stock of your successes and shortcomings, you can identify areas for improvement and adjust your plans if necessary for the rest of the season.  Taking this time may result in an action that could help you achieve better yields, reduce costs, improve efficiency and increase the happiness of team members. 

The end of the financial year provides another opportunity to reflect on the performance of your business over the past 12 months. Are you able to identify some adjustments to your strategy to be better prepared to face any challenges that arise? 

Remember that these reflections should not be purely about the farm as a business, but about the people within it. Your employees, partners, and suppliers are all critical to the success of your operation. Make sure that you take the time to reflect on their contributions as well; ask them about how they felt about the sowing experience and the season ahead.  

Having plans in place can help to decrease uncertainty. By setting goals, creating budgets and developing contingency plans based on climate forecasts, you can reduce the risk of unexpected events derailing your business. This will help you to stay on track and achieve your objectives, no matter what challenges may arise. 

Another year, another challenge.