Self Assessment is Critical

Self Assessment is Critical

Many of us take this time of year to reflect on the achievements of the past year and look to the new year ahead. Taking the time away from the usual tasks, to assess your ag operation, your management, your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats is important to successfully mapping your farm or ranch’s future.

Dr. Dave Kohl, Globetrotting Emeritus ag econ professor from Virginia Tech, encourages ag producers to take global trends and take some time to determine what they might mean for their own operation.?

Kohl: “For example, let’s take technology. I think one of the things that you have to do as an individual producer is assess your resources, your land, your water, the various natural resources. But also do you have the management ability to implement the various technologies -- whether be biotech, engineer tech or information tech -- and put them in a systematic process that focuses on efficiency first and then growth second. If you can do that you will be in position to capitalize.”

Dr. Kohl says that you don’t have to go high tech if you prefer the organic or natural production there will be plenty of opportunity there as well. He stresses that it is taking the time to determine which opportunities match up best with you and your operations goals and objectives.

Kohl: “It’s not going to be one size fits all. It’s going to be a big world out there thats going to need food, fiber and fuel. Self-assessment both of your resources and your individual capabilities is going to be very, very critical.”

 

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