Questions
Score
(not at all) (I am fully implementing this)
1
2
3
4
5
Minimise overhead costs
Do you consider and identify ways to maintain machinery better and cheaper?
Do you regularly review your overhead costs i.e. can you identify how much they cost you on a monthly, 6 monthly, annual basis?
Set goals and budgets
Do you have a clearly set out vision and objectives for the business?
Do you routinely (every 3-6 months), with your partner/s or your team, take a hands off view of the business and discuss objectives, performance etc?
Do you know what the impact to your business would be if Direct Payments are reduced/removed? Do you have a plan if this happens?
Compare yourself with others and gather information
Do you know how your costs of production compared with others in your sector and region?
Do you shop around for inputs or stick to the same suppliers?
Do you review and compare contracts for your outputs with other buyers in your area?
Understand the market
Do you know the underlying consumer trends behind your produce?
Do you regularly check/review if your outputs meet the requirements of your customers?
Focus on detail
Do you pay close attention to the time management of day-to-day practices within your business?
Have you conducted a risk assessment on each part of your business?
Have a mindset for change and innovation
Have you made an assessment of additional or alternative farming and non-farming enterprises?
Have you considered and explored collaboration with local businesses?
Are you testing new technical innovations and ideas e.g. through split field comparisons and discussion groups?
Continually improve people management
Is there a clear succession plan or exit plan and is this communicated to everyone involved either directly or indirectly with the business?
Do you have regular staff meetings to discuss business objectives etc.? (at least weekly = 5, monthly =3, never = 1)
Specialise
Have you taken steps to identify an area of your business which is the most productive?
Have you scoped out if there is more than one way of carrying out certain practices on your farm (e.g. block calving vs all year calving), and what would work best for you?
