BUSINESS BUZZ: How to react when things don't go to plan:

Some issues will come up that will be quite minor in nature, while others will require a significant change in tactics. Normally, the change in circumstance will be weather related. But not always.

The idea for this article came from my run in with the 'spicy cough' last week, and the unplanned, forced seven days of isolation that took place, plus the effects of the virus itself. All plans were quickly abandoned.

There are lots of examples in agriculture where plans have been changed on the run, such as the unplanned breakdown of machinery, perhaps unavailability of parts, or something as simple as rainfall - usually a very short-term issue - delaying certain farm activities.

Some farmers I know have contingency plans for lots of events, and are able to adapt pretty quickly. I suspect there are still a few that run by the seat of their pants in these situations. But the number would be diminishing.

One discussion point I see regularly is the availability of spare parts. An ever increasing number of agribusiness owners are keeping a larger inventory of parts for their machines. This is where the 80/20 rule comes into play.

It may cost money to hold these parts, but it does become a cost of doing business. Dealers can't be expected to hold every part for every conceivable model at any given time. It's a fine line for both parties to tread.

Illness or injury is another area that can throw plans into chaos.

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I have seen plenty of farmers push through these types of situations before.

Sometimes the curse of living on-farm is the temptation to go and do something, when rest is really what's needed. We all do it.

Long-term illness or injury is a different matter though. This takes more planning and foresight to get the best outcome for the business.

Sometimes, these situations can be a bit of a blessing in disguise though, and the business is forced to make some longer-term structural changes that are ultimately good, and in hindsight, necessary.

Sometimes the situations that come out of left-field can cause emotional stress as well. This isn't so bad if it's recognised, but can be a large issue if the feelings are buried in the subconscious.

Lots of time situations are temporary, but in some people's minds they can turn into a permanent fixture, if the anxious feelings are buried in the subconscious.

It's really important to be able to differentiate between the two. And get support when needed.

The vast majority of people have a lot to be grateful for, and sometimes it's easy to lose sight of this fact. For most people, they don't have to look too far to find things that are working well in their lives.

With all setbacks, it's best to calmly assess the situation, put a plan together, and execute the plan. Action will make things flow much more smoothly, and quickly.