How to grow your farm’s production
Starting a farming business is an exciting venture…
Especially when it’s become successful enough to plant the seed of growth. While this can be overwhelming at first, there are steps you need to take to ensure that you grow your business in the correct departments to ensure a sustainable future. If you’re looking to grow your production but are unsure of how to go about it and where to start, here are a few farming tips to consider when asking yourself when and how you’re going to grow your business.
Choosing to rent or buy agriculture equipment
As you know, farming equipment and machinery are extremely costly. If you’re venturing into a new area of farming that you have not explored yet, make sure that you do your research on what to buy. Buying brand new farming equipment for sale in South Africa is often the first thought that appears in a farmer’s mind, but if you’re not going to be utilising a specific machine every day, consider renting your equipment. Or at the very least, buy used equipment. New farming equipment is a long-term investment for your farming business. New equipment is ideal for farmers who expect to use a particular item regularly, for example, tillage equipment, or for multiple tasks on the farm. In the interim, it is recommended that you rather rent and test equipment when needed and make the financial decision to purchase at a later stage. Do not put yourself in debt because of new equipment.
Improve current circumstances
Before you jump into the decision of expanding on your farming premises and equipment, try to consider improving your existing production before over-capitalising. While additional space might be the key reason why you need to grow your farming business, you could look at ways to improve existing conditions to be able to produce more food or meat in the meantime. For instance, focus on your soil fertility. If your soil is healthy and in good condition, you will be able to plant more seeds and achieve better crop yields. If you are farming with livestock, try and grow your own feed. All of these small changes will help you to save money as well as improve and perfect what you already have.
Invest in better quality items
You are able to grow and improve on your bottom line without actually “growing” your premises. It’s extremely important to invest in high-quality seeds, materials and equipment to secure a successful harvest. If your animals (or your crops) are dealt with in a sustainable, healthy environment, they will be able to provide you with a better quality outcome. You will need to learn how to minimise on certain items, as well as make smart decisions on behalf of your farm. For example, when times are tough and finances are stretched, it’s up to you to make decisions on which types of approaches work and which don’t. It’s your responsibility to invest in the best possible tools and equipment to boost productivity and to ensure that farming tasks run smoothly and efficiently at all times. Make it your mission to fix what you have before you jump into an even bigger financial trap you need to control as well.
Use technology to improve productivity
Regardless of whether your farm is small or large scale, you need to keep ahead of your competitors and find ways to improve existing business operations before you can take on more responsibilities. For example, there is incredible drone technology and artificial intelligence (AI) tools which can help to improve and automate time-consuming tasks. Many of these tools will be able to help you monitor your farmlands more accurately than you could ever imagine doing as a human. These tools will even be able to help you prevent machinery from breaking down before or mid-harvest season. So, rely on technology to help you save money and improve business functions.
Focus your offerings around your consumers
Much like any business, you need to put your customers first. Whether those people are businesses or everyday individuals who are looking to purchase good-quality fruit and vegetables or meat, the feedback they provide you with is helpful advice on how to improve your business. These are the people who are purchasing your items and keeping your business going. They will make the decision for you on whether or not you can grow your business. So, always consider their opinions and guidance. In order to grow and succeed as a farming business, you need to look beyond your own opinions and consider others. Stay passionate and focused on your farm for the best results.