I like to think that anything is possible if properly managed. Naysayers may disagree with this, but humans’ ability to fulfil a linear progression from point A to point B and achieve the impossible exists throughout human history.
But what happens when you don’t know what point B is, or have the time, desire, or skillset to figure that out? That’s where help and support are essential. A farm management consultant can help with this.
A farm management consultant is an adviser trained to provide insight and analysis on a variety of topics including farm finance, human resources, operations and marketing. It is their job to help farmers identify, understand, and manage appropriately the issues that farm business owners face.
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The word “consultant” is a commonly overused term that often means a whole bunch of things and nothing at the same time. So perhaps a more appropriate word may be adviser or resource, or simply someone who can make your life easier.
As farms increase in size, farm business owners are forced to manage more and operate less. The progression from being a single owner/operator to having one employee, then three to five employees results in less doing and more delegating. From what I’ve observed, most people don’t get into the business of farming because they are passionate about people management. The idea of a wide-open field with no one else around and the peaceful purr of an engine seems to be why most people get into farming, not babysitting employees.
While no two farms are the same, there are a few consistencies that exist from farm to farm.
For example, there is often some level of conflict that exists between family members, which most often occurred before any farming relationship.
Another consistency among farms is that often farm team members are not aligned in their visions for the future. This is especially common in situations where there are uncomfortable realizations about the future — one where, for example, the patriarch and matriarch may not be able to continue doing what they are doing in the same capacity for much longer.
When considering whether you need the support of a management consultant on your farm, an initial question might be, “do I, or does someone on our farm management team, have the skillset or desire to manage this change or process alone?”
In searching for a consultant who would make a good fit for your farm, you may want to ask what qualifications they have. You may want to consider asking for references.
Of course, it’s important to clearly spell out compensation. How much, and when to pay, are essential questions for ensuring that the farm has an adequate budget for advisory services.
Working with consultants is an investment in your farm and a form of risk management. As farms become larger and more complex, management consultants are a helpful resource to help you get from point A to point B.
My job as a farm management consultant is to make farmers’ lives easier. Personal life, family life and the farm are closely intertwined. Choose an adviser who understands the complexity of managing these priorities in a way that works for you and your business.
Katelyn Duncan is a farm management consultant and professional agrologist based out of Regina. To contact her please email katelyn.duncan@backswath.com.
