- Location
- somerset
We have really struggled at times, and been written off by many. But still here, and making profits, all due to the fact that l have always looked out, for opportunities, for better systems, and being bold enough to realise, a need to change. For example, we changed over to block calving spring, realised it wouldn't work, and now back to Autumn, took a lot of buggering around to do, but we did it, without to much spend, and now, apart from odds and sods, we have changed from sprg xbreds, to autumn holstiens, and people laugh at us,some relevant points here for those who are doing something "different" from the expected norm
Taking stock: when will ag let go of the fad label obsession?
The Land's Tamworth journalist looks into how some aspects of the industry have overcome the "fad" label.www.theland.com.au
My mantra is, my glass is always half full, and my method is, if you are digging a hole, and it's filling up with water, stop digging, and get out. The other bit you need to be is, a miserable old sod, that refuses to be beaten !
But l always think you have to look ahead, and plan. Cashflow is a prime example, work out what you have, when the money will appear, and cover the minus times, often not easy to do, and sometimes difficult. We have a main group of suppliers, we talk to them, and they will help out. You need to plan ahead with all the different aspects, of the actual farming system, grass management has been rather difficult for the last few years, and we have looked, researched, and listened, and our grass system, is very different to 4 yrs ago, we are not unafraid to try new crops, h/rye, vetches and herbs, new clovers etc. Nor are we unduly worried about fert price, this thread has helped that, as it has opened up 'faddish ideas', which we have looked at, or tried. I am also very much for admitting what fails, and stuff does, it may well point out to something, that will help someone else.
the main point, is probably being a miserable old sod, that never admits to being beat, and never lets that hole fill with water.