Better Decisions: Winter is the time to seize some learning opportunities

Monday, December 1, 2008

This is the season to invest some time and energy in yourself and in the business side of the operation

by DORENE COLLINS

Agriculture is a seasonal business with spring, summer and fall being very busy times for farmers. Now that winter is upon us, it's time to invest the same amount of time and energy on the business side of your operation. This is when you should plan what learning opportunities you will invest in over the winter months. 

When was the last time you invested some time and money to get away from the farm and attend a workshop, conference or trade show?  How do you decide what learning event will be the most beneficial to you and your business? With all the choices out there, it's kind of like sifting through a college or university course catalogue and deciding whether you should take Greek philosophy or Canadian history.

Here are some suggestions.
•    Talk to colleagues and clients and ask what learning events they have found most helpful and applicable.
•    Visit websites of those events in which you are interested and drill down to what sessions are offered and who the speakers are.
•    If you plan to take family or employees with you, don't all go to the same session if several are offered. This will ensure maximum benefit from your time and money. Have coffee with them the next day and share learning experiences.
•    If the event offers a trade show, visit it, network and get out of it what you need. Bring your business cards, a great way to network.
•    Take along your calendar in case someone wants to set up an appointment or mentions another event you don't want to miss.
•    If you have to travel some distance to the event, plan it so you can make business calls along the way to meet suppliers, visit another farm or visit a grocery store to see how the food you produce is presented and priced.
•    Plan to implement at least three ideas that you received at the event and stick to it.  Write them down in a visible place in your office for all to see and set a time line to achieve them.
•    Share what you learned with others in your business. Don't just give them copies of the presentations to read. Tell them in your own words and explain how you see them applying to your business.

As part of the Business Management Unit at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), my colleagues and I focus on the business side of farming and have worked with key partners to develop business-related courses/workshops and events for farmers. Here are some to consider as part of your winter learning plan.

After a series of pilot events last winter, back by popular demand are two key farm business-related workshops:
Growing Your Opportunities – Quest for New Farm Value workshops. This is a two-day workshop series for farm and rural entrepreneurs seeking new and expanding marketplace opportunities. Up to 15 workshops will be held across the province in 2009.

These workshops offer an interactive environment to assist participants find innovative ways to market their new or existing products and services, create a dynamic but simple business plan and explore pricing, profit margins and financing a plan.

Growing Your Farm Profits – Planning for Business Success. This is another two-day workshop series aimed at helping farmers assess their business and develop an action plan for the future. It covers all aspects of an operation, including how to develop a business strategy, marketing, production, human resources, financial management, social responsibility, succession planning and business structure. It then sets next step action plans for improvement.

Trade magazines, industry newsletters and word of mouth will provide you with list of learning opportunities to consider. So pull up a chair, invest in yourself and attend a learning event this winter!

The Business Management Unit with OMAFRA's Agriculture Development Branch is committed to assisting farmers and rural entrepreneurs access the necessary business skills and tools. Informative fact sheets, publications, workshops and other advisory services are available just a click or phone call away at www.ontario.ca/agbusiness or 1-888-466-2372. BF

Dorene Collins is Marketing and Customer Service Program Lead with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Email: dorene.collins@ontario.ca