October 2011
Agvocation…..
Cyclones, floods, droughts, closed markets and increasing costs of production- Farmers throughout Australia have contended with any number of these during the past year, creating a very challenging environment for business.
This month, rather than focussing on how these events have affected producers, I thought I might give you an insight into the reasons these people remain determined to make it in their industry, despite the setbacks.
I think the three words- passion, determination and lifestyle sum up why most people remain in agriculture.
I was out in the Gulf country the other day undertaking a business analysis with some beef producers. The lady wanted to assess their business so that they could identify areas to improve and ensure they were sustainable into the future. Her husband commented “Dear, if we wanted to be rich, we wouldn’t be breeding cattle.” So I asked whether or not she placed importance on living where they do and her reply was “Yes, I don’t want to live anywhere else. I know I can make more money in town but I would hate not living on the property.” These are people who have a passion for what they do and despite the obstacles at times and the obvious opportunity for increased income, they remain enthusiastic about doing something they love and place a very high value on lifestyle.
While producers really do enjoy living in rural and regional Australia, I think we often forget that in the case of many producers their home and their job are inseparable.
The negative effects of this were seen in relation to the live export ban, where pressures were placed on business, but if the beef business/land was to be sold so too was the family home.
On the other hand, it does provide a unique work environment that can be very rewarding.
While the work is often hard, there are little moments that make it worthwhile…like the chance of some impromptu exercise as you get chased across the yard by a cranky beast; trying as hard as you can to keep that slippery, premature calf on the 4-wheeler as you ride back to the sheds; the joy of getting that one sheep to poke it’s head through the gate so the rest will follow (harder than it seems); riding that 900kg steer just because someone said he was quiet; and of course making sure that when your cow dies in the paddock on Grand Final day you don’t let your friends leave the property before they have helped you move it to the boneyard!
Working in agriculture teaches you not to take yourself or life too seriously, in the end it’s about having a laugh and getting on with the job.
While this laugh may be aimed at your co-workers, sometimes it’s aimed at the animals you work with.
I urge you to have a look at this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we9_CdNPuJg. These goats have interesting genes that make them feint when startled. It doesn’t hurt them, but it is good for some laughter therapy.
In the wake of all these recent events affecting the agriculture industry, there have been calls for people involved in agriculture to be “AgVocoates” for their industry- to make sure that they tell their story and that truths about farming practices are known by the wider community. A producer from WA has taken this one step further by creating a blog about his experiences. Again, I compel you to take to your computer and have a look at his humorous take on the farming life, with his Golden Rules of Farming, such as this one which I’m sure some of you have experienced (I know I have)- Rule #31: After not seeing a living soul for weeks, a visitor will turn up the one time you walk naked to the clothes line! Read on at http://farmerswayoflife.blogspot.com/2011/08/golden-rules-of-farming-part-1.html.
I believe it is a credit to our nation’s food producers that in the face of a tough business climate, they are still able to look to the future and have passion for their industry and for a job they love. After all, like they say, find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.
I certainly haven’t worked many days since I started a career in agriculture!
Lastly, did you hear about the agri-business cadet fresh from University noting in her annual report that Farmer Jones lost 2,025 pigs. She decided to give him a call to confirm the number.
“Is it true that you lost 2,025 pigs this year?" she asked.
"Yeth." lisped the farmer. 2 sows and 25 pigs."