We have a clear set of business objectives and a sustainable plan
Having clear objectives (personal and business) and creating realistic/sustainable plans are particularly important at times of change.
We may have overall life objectives; business objectives; objectives around family.
We may have more specific objectives regarding a particular year, income, retirement etc.
For objectives to be achieved, we need a plan. So if the objective is to make a certain level of profit, the plan needs to detail how that will be achieved.
A few things can help when it comes to objective setting and planning:
- Write things down.
- Detail is important.
- Be realistic .
- Involve/discuss with others who may be affected by the plan.
- Be flexible and prepared to adapt plans.
Examples of business plans
Farming Connect Business Plan Guide
Farming Connect Strategic Business Plan
Writing a Business Plan – Advice and guidance from AHDB
I only worry about things I can control
It’s normal to worry about things, but excessive worrying can lead to anxiety and panic attacks. Learning to control worry is therefore important.
We might worry about all sorts of things, some of which we can affect and some that are out of our control (eg the weather!).
Limiting our thinking to those things we CAN control is a valuable technique and can help to reduce anxiety.
It can help to make a list of worries and divide them between things in your control, out of your control, and things you can influence.
Here are some links to information about:
SilverCloud – Online Mental Health Support – Powys Teaching Health Board
I have a contingency folder in case I or others on the farm can’t work
FCN sometimes takes calls from farms where someone is unable to work suddenly due to illness or accident, and they were the only person with knowledge of daily commitments on the farm, passwords, feeding regimes etc.
This can cause significant stress for both the individual and the family.
It is good practice to keep a contingency folder so that if a key person can’t work, important information is accessible by family or colleagues – let them know how they can access it.
This doesn’t have to be overly complex – you can view information about planning for contingencies and emergencies here, together with suggested list of contents for a folder.
I have explored Farming Connect’s offer of support
At this time of change in farming it is especially important to review objectives and plan ahead.
A good place to start is the Farming Connect website Farming Connect – helping you drive your business forward | Farming Connect
Many services are fully funded, others are subsidised by up to 80%
If you need help to take the first steps, contact FCN 03000 111 999 or via our e-Helpline help@fcn.org.uk
We place a high priority on safe working practice
The farming industry has a poor record on safety, with tragic accidents causing life changing injuries and too many deaths each year.
Employers must take steps to ensure they and their staff can work safely.
Have a look at the short videos below.
Wales Farm Safety Partnership
Farm Safety Foundation
Farm Safety Foundation / Yellow Wellies – YellowWellies.org
Health & Safety in Agriculture
We have a positive workplace culture – I/we enjoy our work
We all like to feel fulfilled at work and nurturing a positive workplace culture is important, especially when employing staff.
The culture of a business/farm affects how people feel, maintains motivation, retains good staff, and they generally perform better. The culture is set from the top and will guide everyone about ‘how we do things here’.
People generally feel happier, work more effectively, and achieve better results in a positive culture.
The culture will also improve safe working and the wellbeing of everyone involved.
Have a look at this video from Public Health Wales
Here are some links for information about building a positive workplace culture:
Professional Development | Farming Connect
Creating a positive workplace | Business Wales
Wellbeing Training Courses from RCS Wales
We all communicate well as a family / farm team
Maintaining open and inclusive communication in farming families is so important. A significant proportion of calls to FCN involve a breakdown in communication and when this happens it can lead to problems.
We welcome new thinking on the farm and are willing to take support and advice
It is so important to be open to new thinking, especially at times of change. We may know our farm and business better than anyone else, but we can’t always stay up on the latest techniques and be aware of all the help and support that is available.
Using a trusted family member or friend as a sounding board can be very helpful to broaden our field of view and help us to gain clarity. If possible, employing advisers and consultants can be valuable, but there is also a lot of free information and resources available.
We have given thought to security around the farm
Rural crime is a growing problem with machinery theft, fly tipping, hare coursing and other crimes causing stress and cost to many farms.
In 2023 the cost of rural crime rose by 4.3% reaching a total estimate of £52.8 million based on NFU Mutual claims statistics.
There are a number of actions that can be taken to make farm buildings and equipment more secure and reduce the worry and anxiety associated with rural crime.
NFU Mutual _ RURAL CRIME REPORT 2024
Helpful advice for farmers from the police forces in Wales
Rural crime prevention | Dyfed-Powys Police
The right insurance for your farm is essential when battling with rural crime – Article from FUW
I delegate where and when I can
Understandably, if you’re a Sole Trader you may not have a work force to delegate any tasks to anyone.
If however you employ farm staff, it is always worth considering whether or not there are tasks you could delegate to staff members.
I am confident with computers or have access to an ‘IT helper’
So much ‘business’ now relies upon having some basic computer skills and, of course, a reliable broadband connection. Many in farming have been brought up in the digital age and use of computers and other devices are second nature.
But for some people, accessing the internet and using keyboards can be a challenge.
Whilst there needs to be respect for accessibility, it is likely that government, banks, commercial organisations etc will continue to pursue a digital approach, and therefore we either need to develop the skills required to use a computer or have access to a trusted person who can help us.
We have an up-to-date partnership agreement in place
Having an up to date partnership agreement for your farm business is essential to ensure that everyone involved knows where they stand. It is particularly important at times of change or dispute within families.
Land agents and accountants can help to create a partnership agreement and provide guidance on other legal and financial documents that the business should have in place.
At FCN, we regularly hear about family disputes where such legal documentation is not in place, resulting in stress for all involved.
farmwell.org.uk/farming_partnership_agreements/
Farming Connect Venture Booklet
