In my line of work, I am very fortunate to meet some amazing agribusiness owners.
They may be in different sectors of agriculture, but they all share a couple of traits - passion and purpose.
Two agribusiness owners in particular come to mind. One runs a sheep stud, and the other a cattle stud.
Both are quite unassuming types, and they just get on with the business of growing their enterprises. In both cases, success breeds success, figuratively and literally.
The two of them have made incremental improvements to their respective businesses across many years, and from the outside they look as if they have shot the lights out and have made rapid progress.
What people don't realise is that the improvements have been a slow burn across 20-odd years. What is visible now wasn't always the case.
Anyone can achieve great things in their particular field of endeavour if they have passion and purpose. This has been shown on numerous occasions throughout history.
There are many agribusinesses in the same boat.
These are the ones that haven't just ridden the tide of capital value increases that has been a hallmark of agriculture, particularly in recent years, but they have made large improvements to their core business.
They have been able to master the art of working 'on' the business, not just 'in' the business.
In contrast, some farming operations haven't adapted and changed, and don't have any specific plan in place.
Instead, they have gone with the flow to a large extent, and have found themselves subject to the vagaries of climatic conditions and commodity prices.
Of course, there are certain things any farming business is unable to control, but the good ones mitigate what they can.
Having a detailed long-term plan is always a good thing, but I do know a number of people that seem to have absorbed one by osmosis in some ways.
They chose the right aspects of their business to concentrate on from an early stage, and just stuck with it. Persistence does indeed pay off.
Related reading: Positivity found in adversity
These people also seem to be ahead of the industry trends. Presumably this is because they are fully immersed in their sector and have a hunger for knowledge, and they voluntarily seek this out.
This trait is particularly useful in the stud game, where the pressure to continually improve and produce a product the market wants is immense.
Those who are up for the challenge are normally rewarded.
Attention to detail is another personality trait of the very good agribusiness owners I know. No stone is left unturned in their pursuit of being at the top of their game.
Humility and the ability to listen and take advice from others is another characteristic they share.
Anyone can achieve great things in their particular field of endeavour if they have passion and purpose. This has been shown on numerous occasions throughout history.
The agribusiness owner I alluded to earlier has lost some customers through the years, purely because his average sale price has risen as his stud has gained more prominence, and as a result his rams are out of the price range of some people.
He doesn't lament this though. As he said, "Success breeds success" - I agree.
- Details: bagshawagriconsulting.com.au
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