Planning is the key

The term ‘‘planning’’ has been a major point at a number of farm discussion groups we have attended in the past few weeks.

We asked questions about the plans farmers have for their farming business, in particular, in relation to the farm overall, people, livestock and finances before the onslaught of calving.

A common answer from farmers, in relation to a range of subjects from feed budgets and staff rosters to farm finances, was: ’’It’s all in my head. I just haven’t had the opportunity to write it down.’’

So a failure to plan is a plan for failure.

How do we go about making a plan? We recommend starting in a specific area and writing a checklist of your requirements and objectives before the cows start calving.

Get machinery and vehicles serviced and operating, ensuring fuel is on hand, completing a farm walk and feed budget, planning your spring rotation and getting the calf sheds ready.

Write staff rosters, ensure all team members have been given directions which they understand, organise weekly meetings, discuss health and safety, ensure timesheets are in place, organise new wet weather gear and gumboots.

Your business plan will ensure a smoother calving period for you all.