It never ceases to amaze me how much you can achieve if a deadline is looming, these can be work related or personal.

Everyone would have numerous examples of when they have focused, and achieved an outcome that the logical mind may have thought was very difficult to do.

In a farming context no matter what sector of agriculture you’re in, there is always a part, or parts of the year that are crucial to the financial viability of the farming business.

For the croppers out there, they are hopefully at the backend of such a season.

If you have planned out the various steps to ensure a busy time of year runs smoothly, it generally will.

Of course, there are a lot of moving parts – metaphorically and literally – in farming, and things can and will go wrong.

But being well prepared is a good recipe to follow for success.

I have seen farming businesses that meticulously plan out operations as best they can, with standard operating procedures as far as the eye can see.

While others are a bit more laissez-faire, but get there in the end.

I find the larger the farming operation, the more procedures they tend to have in place.

The weather plays a big part in any agricultural business, and farmers are acutely aware of this, and manage it accordingly.

I quite often have to explain to people I know in the city, that you can’t just plan for a nine to five day in farming, it just doesn’t work like that.

Other variabilities include the prevailing market conditions for whatever commodity the farming business is producing.

There are more and more farmers who are value adding and actively being involved in more steps in the chain.

But the majority are still producing commodities, albeit world class.

After the busy season for an agribusiness operation, there is the inevitable down time that comes immediately afterwards.

This break is very much needed for everyone to recover mentally and physically from whatever the crucial time of year entails for that business.

Historically, it meant a complete break from operations and perhaps a holiday, which is generally needed.

For an increasing number of professional farming businesses, however, the break is structured, and may include some planning both personally and professionally for the upcoming year.

For farming businesses that have long-term goals it may mean reflecting on what’s been achieved in the previous year, and what’s the most important milestone for the business over the next period of time.

Strategic goals are paramount for any top performing business, and gives a clear road map for all members of the operation to follow for the year ahead.

Of course, plans can change, but as long as the business is inching towards its ultimate outcome, that’s the main thing.

Farming can be challenging, but it can also be fun.

I know lots of older farmers that are just as passionate about the industry today, as they were when they left school.

Farming is a long journey, and It’s important to celebrate the achievements along the way, they are always there if you look for them.