With a fair bit going on at the moment in commodity markets, finance markets and the ongoing dry that almost all of us are experiencing, it can be pretty easy to “hold our breaths” and suffer good old analysis paralysis.
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It could be in hope of a few extra dollars; that elusive drought breaking rain or the constant tug-of-war that is managing your cash flow.
It’s easy to over-think these judgement calls that are only made more difficult when the purse strings are tighter and it seems there’s no end in sight.
We know our best decisions are made when we have a clear mind and when we can see things as objectively as possible in relation to what actually matters and what is going to be best for us and the business now and beyond.
Nothing stops.
The stock still need feeding, the crops still need inputs and you still need to sleep.
Even though many people deny this – it is fact, not a matter of belief.
It’s bloody hard sometimes to step back – or up – and take a helicopter view of the situation.
But this can give such a profound perspective to those of us living 24/7 in the business.
Maybe there’s an “art of separation” that can help us take an objective view (and if there’s not, you heard it here first!), but imagine looking at your own place as you look at your neighbours or other family’s places.
What would you mutter to yourself?
And what would you do about it “if it were you”?
This dry is not letting go just yet – as hard as we’re all hoping– and it is so important that we maintain the ability to make good decisions and the timing of them.
Call them trigger points or timing principles, it doesn’t matter, the action is what matters.
We have a heap of knowledge of dealing with dry times in our community and it’s vital we share it.
Please lean on each other for support, advice and for a third eye: your sons and daughters; husbands and wives; neighbours; accountants; bankers; work crews – whomever has a stake in your business and wellbeing who may have a perspective to offer.
When I left school, I went jackerooing.
It was the start of the millennium drought and what I learnt during that time from those around me has shaped who I am and has made a permanent imprint on how I manage and the structures I put in place.
In tough times, little things mean a hell of a lot.
You’ll never know if you never ask. I’m sure it’ll make for stronger business, because as we have in the past, we will come out the other end of this, with hopefully as fewer bruises as possible.
Use the resources available to you to help make your big decisions a little easier.
Stay mentally and physically healthy and safe.
And please keep asking RUOK?
- Dan Korff is the Future Farmers’ Network director.
