Several of our accepted on-farm practices are keeping many sheep and beef farmers in a state of low profit and lack of belief that they can generate any more profit than they are doing now. In fact these practices tend to be recommended to farmers with the belief that they are sound. However, there tends to be very little connection with long term use of these practices and the historically poor business results from farming that are keeping our farm businesses just off survival. Here are some examples:
The way we usually view our sheep and beef farms in New Zealand has unfortunately moved many farmers perspectives down a track so unhelpful that they are in danger of a life of hard labour and a challenging succession situation. This has become so dire that without knowing it many farmers are working hard for the interests of other organisations and are using their own energy, sweat and resources to do it. What really worries me is that to most it doesn't seem that bad and that reflects how insidious the problem really is.
While speaking recently with sheep and beef farmers in Southland, it was confirmed to me just how important personal confidence really is in sheep and beef farming. As we discussed farming and what opportunities people saw for themselves and their businesses, two distinct lines of thought emerged out of two completely different thinking environments.
All sheep and beef farmers need to answer these 3 questions accurately if they really want to get their hands on that consistent profit that is proving so elusive in our industry. Moving their businesses forward is not only important, it is crucial to their families futures.
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