The “team” got its name from when our ancestors used a team of oxen or horses to do the heavy work on the farm or in the bush. One good horse was not much good if it’s mate sat back on the whiffle tree and let the lead horse do all the heavy pulling. The team had to pull together. You can still see it today at a horse pull at the fair, when the winning team always pulls together.
The same applies in sports today when it takes more than one or two good players to win the game. Every member of the team, including the coach, must work together to win. We have witnessed political parties fall apart because of “in-fighting” within a party. Successful business, including farms that have survived several generations have assembled teams of specialists working together to make the business succeed.
More than 20 years ago, we had the opportunity to listen to a very successful farmer from . . .
Ohio by the name of Hiram Drache, explain the five M’s to success on a farm. The three most important were: your mate, which if you look around, you will notice that most successful businesses include both partners. Money, or more important, the financial institution that you deal with. If the bank or financial institution that you deal with does not understand, the business that you are in then you may have to look for one that does. Often, it’s not the manager of the local branch that is the problem, but a change in the direction of lending that the head office has made that may cause you to go shopping for a more educated lender. The third M that was very important to a successful farm was a good mechanic who not only could get a broken-down machine up and running, but had machines serviced and ready for the job before they were needed.
One of the most important of the “seven bank accounts” of a farmer is accumulation of a great team. The farmer must assemble a team of specialists at his disposal. They include; a soil specialist, a soil lab that understands the interaction between soil elements, several seed experts, a specialist in weed control, both mechanical, timed cultivation, and chemical. A nutritionist that works with a crop specialist to produce crops for animals at different stages of gestation and production. Several engineers that keep abreast with changes in new technologies in buildings, and environmental laws. An animal genetics expert to plan ahead so that the future herd will be competitive with other farms tomorrow. A mechanic to keep all the various machines ready on time so timely jobs can be completed when needed, not after the value of the crop has deteriorated. An accountant, financial lender, and long-term farm “rollover” expert all who work together on farm-specific financial planning. A notary and lawyer familiar with farms. An electrician and refrigeration expert that can do emergency repairs to save a bulk tank with ten thousand liters of milk in it, or help keep several hundred head of animals with water to drink at all times, and fans running to keep them cool. A veterinarian to help with emergency calls and advise the herdsperson how to prevent emergencies. A milking equipment specialist because dairy cows expect to be milked precisely on time a couple times each day, 365 days a year. An in-house accountant and purchasing agent keeps all the paperwork and payments up to date that various goverment agencies and businesses require on time. Feed, seed, and all other farm necessities must be ordered and delivered before needed and usually within a five-day week. A farm safety specialist and mental health specialist are now a necessary part of every farm on timely intervals. Emergency first aid training is also a must.
All businesses have a similar list of team members that must be maintained and updated as needed. It’s no wonder that businesses, farmers, and team members appreciate a good party now and then.
Chris Judd is a farmer in Clarendon on land that has been in his family for generations.
gladcrest@gmail.com
