ANDREW RITCHIE
Author of ‘The Resilient Farmer,’ Doug Avery has some tips for weathering the current storm affecting farmers. Low prices, increasing costs, a raft of government regulations, increasing interest rates and impending emission charges compound to make for a tough period for those on the land.
“The first thing to remember is that it has happened before and will no doubt happen again. Such is the cyclical nature of farming. All you can do is to do your best.”
He remembers when subsidies were removed overnight in the eighties. His immediate reaction was to go to town and approach his suppliers, inform them of his financial situation, and try to work out a deal so that all involved could survive.
“Communicate and negotiate as soon as possible with your bank so that they understand what is happening. They are there to help and advise it is not in their interest to see a business going bankrupt. They need to protect their investment in you. Doug’s accountant suggested the bill could be reduced by dealing with his junior partner and forgoing the supply of two bound copies of the accounts.
Since the junior partner turned out to be an improvement the solution suited everyone. “We are part of a bigger system which must be accommodated. As the ‘Primary Producer’ we are the first to take a hit but also the ones to recover first. “There is no event that does not have a positive, if you look hard enough. It is important to team up with someone you respect for help and advice, be it mental or physical.
Since capital ‘on farm’ projects may have to be set aside, think about personal projects and focus on a goal. Climb a mountain, swim fifty lengths of the pool, be grateful for what you have and remember there is always someone worse off than you. A farm will always be a good place to weather a storm. You will certainly not starve to death. Tough times will be over one day. As Doug has found out in recent years there is life after farming.
“Some-day I will die, but it won’t be today.” The Resilient Farmer.
