In last week’s FCC Express I was asked to talk about Business Management Teams and how they can improve your farm. Over the years I have found that consultants and financial planners are often utilized reactively when there is a serious problem to address in a relatively short time frame. The outcome of working with a consultant or financial planner, that specializes in the desired area of focus, can be significantly improved if they are involved proactively from a strategic planning perspective, or in the early stages of an identified issue.
Having a consultant or financial planner part of the management team on an ongoing basis can act as the ‘quarterback’ for the team and keep all the wheels moving and in the same direction. Accountability and implementing an action plan often poses a great challenge to farm managers and a consultant or financial planner can be a great asset in ensuring things get done.
Having a management team in place that can work collaboratively together, especially with larger projects such as transition or expansion planning, can yield significant dividends financially as well as overall satisfaction, stress management and harmony for the farm manager, the farm team and the farm family as a whole.
To read the entire article click here: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/ag-knowledge/knowledge/a-business-management-team-can-improve-your-farm.html
Ag in Motion: I will be in Saskatoon on site at Ag in Motion on July 17. Respond to this e-mail to be entered into a draw for one of 10 free daily admission tickets to attend the show.
Continuing Education: I will be facilitating a one-day training workshop at the Cumberland College in Tisdale. During the one day workshop we will work though the components of a strategic plan and financial analysis involved in planning a farm expansion.
For more information or to enroll in the workshop click here: https://www.cumberlandcollege.sk.ca/index.php?id=70
Canadian Canola Growers Advance Program: CCGA is now accepting cash advance applications under the increased APP limits. Click here for more information and to apply: http://www.ccga.ca/hub/Pages/accepting-applications-increased-APP-limits-starting-today.aspx
Vital Information List: When a member of the farm management team passes away, there is often a lot of information that goes with them. Elaine Froese has share her “Because I love you list” with me, so that I may share it with you. I encourage you to take a few moments to review the attached list and ensure all your important information is captured where your business partners and family members can easily access it when it is most urgently needed.
Mental Health: From trade tensions, grain delivery delays, lower commodity prices, lack of moisture, bugs, cash flow shortfalls, increased interest rates to uncomfortable discussions with creditors, it is only natural that you or someone you know may be feeling additional stress this year. It takes strength and courage to recognize the increased signs of stress and ask for help or support someone who is in need of assistance. 24/7 crisis counselling is available at the numbers below.
SK Farm Stress Line & Rural Support: 1-800-667-4442
MB Farm & Rural Support Services: 1-866-367-3276
Farm Debt Mediation Service: Offers financial counseling and mediation services to farmers across Canada who are having difficulty paying their debts. This service is free and confidential and provides the services of an independent financial expert to assist with the preparation of a recovery plan to resolve the debt issues.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact myself or the FDMS toll-free line: 1-866-452-5556
As a Farm Management Consultant, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), a Certified Agriculture Farm Advisor (CAFA), and a Farm Debt Mediation Financial Expert, I provide leading edge management consulting services, tools and resources to farm families and individuals. I specialize in financial management, intensive debt management, strategic business and transition planning.
I routinely post information that I find interesting and valuable, for my followers on Twitter and LinkedIn. Follow or connect with me on those sites to see what "makes the cut".