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News and Views
Winter is usually a quiet time at the farm. The ewes are bred, the rams have settled down to a peaceful routine and the shepherdess has a bit of time to reflect on the past year as fleeces are skirted and packaged.
This is also the time of year when our farm does a complete analysis of last year's business and takes a firm measure of the progress we have made towards our goals and objectives. Are we on target? Ahead of schedule? Perhaps we need to spend a little more time refining or improving a process so we can produce a better product for our customers.
Winter is a great time to take a thorough and honest look at your business and see where you actually are on the path to achieving your goals. If you have never taken the time to develop a business plan, now is the time to do so. Plans do not have to be overly complicated but they do have some core components.
First, determine where you stand with your business right now. Is it profitable? Breaking even? In the red? There are several free, online farm business analysis articles that may be suitable for you and your business. While I won't recommend one more than another, typing in a search for "farm business analysis" or "livestock business planning" will most likely get you connected to some resources. Be honest with yourself as you take a hard look at your business - is it working for YOU? The livestock industry requires work, hard work, and committment. Anyone who has ever raised livestock knows emergencies never happen 9 - 5 Monday through Friday!
Secondly, evaluate the current state of your business. What do your customers need? What products can you produce that will fulfill the needs of your customers? What can you improve to do a better job of producing what your customers need? Bear in mind that what YOU like or want may not be what your customers need. Be open to making changes, the customer is the one spending the resources for the products so listen to what they need and strive to provide an excellent product or service and deliver it with a smile! Markets change and products have to change with them or they become obsolete.
Once you have taken some time to establish the current state of your business and you have gathered some information regarding markets (what customers want and what they are willing to pay for it) decide how you will go about producing those products (or not) and marketing them to your client base.
Marketing is a multi-pronged entity all its own so spend some time learning not only what markets are out there but also how to reach those markets. Connect with other producers and see what works, what doesn't and what you can do differently. Network in a positive way with producers and the public. Word of mouth is a fabulous marketing tool and a positive attitude builds excitment and enthusiasm for your product/service.
Think about taking a farm marketing course. Local extension offices usually have a list of available courses, state sheep associations usually have a list of available courses within the state and with the internet, you can even sign up and take courses in the comfort of your own home.
After you gather information about available and emerging markets, take some time to put together a plan for accessing and positioning your products in those markets.
The days have started getting longer; spring is on its way and the reflective, quiet time of winter will soon be a memory. Sheep shearing will begin and lambs will be arriving. Adding the direction and peace of mind that a solid and well-researched business plan provides will help keep your focus on defined objectives and goals. These objective and goals, if well-researched will provide you will a successful 2012!
Trimburfield Farm wishes to thank all of our outstanding 2011 clients - you are awesome individuals! We wish everyone the very best of success in the coming year!