Better Decisions: Don’t overlook the importance of planning in your farm business

Knowing where you are going and what you hope to achieve will give your business an edge when it comes to responding to opportunities

by DORENE COLLINS

Have you ever said to yourself, I should have planned that better? This statement is common to everyone. We often head right into action without a plan, which results in extra work or lost efficiencies. Planning is hard work and often one of the most neglected parts of a farm business.

Kenneth Thomas, an extension economist in farm management at the University of Minnesota from 1959 to 1992, saw many changes in farm production while business planning principles remained the same. He authored many reports and documents on the importance of good planning for success on the farm.

Better Farming - February 2009