Regardless of how busy you are

especially dairy farms. Some dairy farmers have expanded cow numbers after the removal of milk quotas without thinking about themselves and planning their downtime. They have done the physical and financial planning, but have no personal plan, some are sinking under the workload.

Cow numbers, net profit and increasing net worth are all important to an ambitious farmer, but they are only one side of the equation of life and running a farm business.

For a business to run smoothly, the farmer must have downtime and personal treats so to speak.

Sport is always a good barometer on which to judge a balanced plan, GAA, rugby and soccer teams put in the hard yards on the training ground and in the gym in preparation for the big games.

However, they also have their nights out and sunshine trips abroad under the guise of team bonding sessions, which they are, but they also facilitate enjoyment and something to look forward to as a reward for all the hard work.

Farming is no different. For better farm business performance, it is important to have personal goals and treats.

These goals could be for the farmer alone. It could be a trip the rugby World Cup or the Melbourne Cup horse race. They could also be family orientated where the entire family takes a one-off trip to see Australia or a father and son or daughter travel away together. The benefit of such trips and life events are unquantifiable.

The key to good farm business planning is to have a well thought out physical, financial and personal plan. Engage the relevant professionals to help you write your plan, then get on the computer and book that trip you have been putting off for years.

Mike Brady is managing director at Brady Group: Agricultural Consultants & Land Agents, email: mike@bradygroup.ie.