Making more from Sheep

 Capable and Confident Producers

Richard Apps from Australia, was one of the keynote speakers at the Alberta Sheep Breeders Association Symposium held towards the end of 2011. As one of the (other) guest speakers at this symposium, I was lucky enough to attend a number of the seminars given.  Mr. Apps was invited by the Sheep Breeders Association to give a number of lectures on the topic “Making more from Sheep”.

He works for the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) were he focuses on genetic evaluation and extension work. The MLA has a number of publications, divided up into modules, to help the sheep industry move along. These modules are very aptly named “Making more from Sheep”.
Although the modules are written for producers in Australia, there are many lessons to be learned from them. Australia is regarded as one of the top sheep producing countries, which is leading the sheep industry forward.

One of the modules covers the effect that you, the producer, have on your own business. This of course does not only apply to sheep producers but covers all agri- business.  Many farms and ranchers are family owned and people have multiple roles within this business.  A number of studies have been conducted which show a big divergence in farm profit, even between similar enterprises, environments and management practices. What differentiates a successful family ranching business from the mediocre?

Apps states:  “The poorer performance of the average (and below) producers is not a function of a lack of researched-based technical information to fine tune their businesses, but rather a function of social and generational family conditioning, that stifles innovation and uptake of  research and development outputs.”

So considering that social and generational conditioning influences the success of a business, this module looks at ways that family orientated operations can improve their business by learning to make clear, defined decisions to avoid tensions and stressors creeping into the managing of their operation. 

As most family run operations do not have scheduled business meetings, Apps suggests that this is an important discipline to develop and implement, on any size operation. At these sit down meetings important decisions are discussed and agreed upon.
He highlights also the need for simple day to day meetings, these could be a “tailgate meeting” on the back of the pickup, to discuss the work for that day; who does what and what the expectations are.

The focus of this module is on developing five main skills to help family operations become more successful, namely;
Knowing who does what on the ranch. This often can be a bone of contention on many family run ranchers were parents’ farm with their children and spouses do not want to be “told” what to do. Making clear what each person’s role and responsibility is within the company will help to alleviate these tensions.

Developing effective communication: Just because a comment or statement is made at the breakfast table or while loading the pickup, it does not mean that it has been effectively communicated! A passing statement made to a family member does not have to mean, that the message is clear or even agreed to.  “Oh, by the way (while loading calves) I bought a new baler” is not an effective way to communicate.

Scheduling time to clearly communicate will be rewarded with improved relationships within the farm team, improved relevance (the receiver hears and understands what has been said) and improved respect (understands the issues, whether or not all parties agree).

Develop a sound business purpose. Apps state’s that, “it is easy, but often incorrect, to assume that each member of your ranching team clearly understands your goals and the values you apply when working towards these goals”. Discuss, these goals and plans with each member involved in your farming or ranching activity. Flowing out of these discussions, develop an agreed set of values and goals. By doing this you can develop a common sense of purpose within your enterprise. Do review and update periodically.

Build knowledge and skills in the business: as profit is predominantly a people issue it becomes important to foster a positive attitude towards change and commitment. By doing this, new ideas can be easier introduced into the business.  Listening to ideas from the people involved and having the confidence to incorporate change, is one of the “secrets of success” for many businesses.

Lastly, Apps goes on to explain the importance of maintaining a happy balance between work and family. In farming and ranching families finding this balance is a real challenge. Working together all day does not automatically translate into quality family time.
Apps, says that “Holiday time is a must – it is equivalent to the annual service for the tractor or header”.

Considering that  farming or ranching is not like any other business; the  work place is also the home place, no 9 to 5 schedule, no overtime, no planned day off and certainly no four weeks paid leave!  Add to this that ranchers also often have shared ownership (and, management structures) that cross various generations; it becomes clear that investing in people is integral to sustainable and profitable farming business.

So, if this topic interests you, take a look at the website " Making more from sheep"

www.makingmorefromsheep.com.au

Louise Liebenberg