No ribbon for agricultural bunglers

In an earlier column I called it 'a gap year for farmers', a time in which the sector prepares for change, adapts and looks for new ways of working. Given the numbers and strong reactions I had struck a chord. If we look further at the challenges and the weather today, it is clear once again that no year is the same. The sector, no the whole world, is moving fast and what worked yesterday does not necessarily have to be the solution today.

As a farmer you are a professional but above all an entrepreneur. The craftsmanship needed to run a farm goes beyond just the work. Knowledge, experience, understanding of nature, crops, livestock and the market. All these things and more are invaluable, because without the right expertise it will not work.

Then comes the business sense. The necessary ability to be able and willing to think strategically often makes the difference in my opinion. Seeing opportunities in a time of uncertainty. It requires the ability to assess risks and dare to invest in new things. Whatever company you have and where, you have to know how to get and keep the tent financially healthy, while you intelligently keep up with the continuous changes in the market.

Most fundamental is your personal leadership. Time has taught us that the difference between winning and not winning lies in the technique and the numbers. But what about how you position yourself as an entrepreneur and leader? In times of change and uncertainty, personal leadership is the compass that provides direction. It is about self-reflection, taking responsibility and the ability to deal with setbacks.

Personal leadership means that you are not only in control of your business, but also of your own mindset – your mind – and your ability to want to learn and grow. It means that you confidently direct your business, even when the environment is unpredictable. And it takes courage to make difficult choices. My reaction to a good idea that the entrepreneur has doubts about is sometimes 'don't think about anything'. Even if the circumstances are not ideal, do it anyway, because will they ever be?

Important: farming is a profession, a craft that must be performed with precision in all areas. If you keep that in mind and continue to act accordingly, you have the best chance of a successful life's work.

Jasper Carpenter

Jasper Timmerman is a senior advisor at Farmers Funding & Advice. He specializes in tax optimisations, restructuring, business transfer, family business and financial guidance.

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