Of course I am speaking metaphorically but most of us are committed to doing both. However, it takes more than a rugby match to convince people like me that time is up.
It usually takes family (members of the next generation) eager to take over the reigns as part of succession planning before the old goat gets the message and takes leave of long held responsibilities. Actually, that should read “ takes leave of our senses”!
Getting back to Country Calendar.
In my humble opinion, the reason why Country Calendar is almost as long a running feature on TV as Coronation Street is that each episode brings the best of modern rural life to the great unwashed in a way that helps the townies understand what it takes to earn the bulk of our export dollars.
But there are aspects of the presentation that are very revealing and noteworthy on their own.
Each episode looks at a farming enterprise operating in a different part of the country.
Usually they are properties or businesses run by a family (many of whom having been in residence for generations) or an Iwi incorporation on behalf of shareholders.
For me, as someone who identifies with the struggles and achievements of those living and working on the land, it isn’t hard to find evidence of why those featured on the programme all succeed although the reasons for that success are not always visible to the uninitiated viewer.
It takes one to know one.
So, for the benefit of those who want to know how my own experience helps me identify the management practices that are key to success - here are a few tips that may help you better understand the soul of the rural community.
1) most of those running successful farming businesses ( including those who have inherited property from older generations) regard ownership as a kaitiaki (guardianship) role looking after the land on behalf of future generations.
There is a deep feeling of responsibility for the well being of all living things on their particular piece of this blessed country.
2) consequently, with that sort of attitude, it is no surprise that the people and animals employed on the farm respond well to this type of special recognition as an important cog in the wheel. They value their own employment opportunities and enjoy coming to work each day. In that sort of environment, productivity across the board goes through the roof.
3) “man management” skills are the most important ingredient in running a successful farming business.
If it doesn’t come naturally, there are ways it can be taught.
Part of being a good manager is to be a good listener to others who can pass on knowledge of things that work. We are never too old to learn new things and sometimes the good ideas come from unexpected places.
One of the things I discovered in another life as a MAF farm adviser was that farming businesses only survived as long as the managers kept introducing new ideas of how to do things more efficiently.
While aspects of AI scare the proverbial out of me, I have no doubt some of the technological breakthroughs currently in the pipeline will make life on the farm more efficient, enjoyable and, as a result, more profitable when actually doing less.
You can’t make this up but reality shows once again, fortune favoured the brave and the socially conscious.
We are our brother’s keeper and Country Calendar shows us how we can achieve great things together in that too often overlooked, yet important role.
Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.
1 comment:
Almost without exception, people featuring are self employed, self starters , who are prepared to take on the risks of rural ventures as a satisfying lifestyle choice.
Without them , the city dwellers would perish.
Country Calendar has consistently been a "must see" enduring program.
However, I see signs of it being taken over by the woke with nonsense programs entrenching Maori values as superior to rational science.
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