New Year’s Resolutions for Farmers
New Year’s Eve is coming up quickly, and for some the coming of a new year represents a time for personal growth. This is never more apparent than in the tradition of the new year’s resolution. Fortunately, personal growth can and should extend into your business and your farm. Almost everyone resolves to lose weight or eat healthier, but very few people take the initiative to make resolutions which will help their business grow. Be ahead of the curve this year by taking some time, cracking open the books, and figuring out how to help your business thrive in 2018. This year, we’ve put together a list of resolutions farmers can use to make the most of their business plan and grow their operations in the new year!
Conserve More
Going green on the farm can sound like more hassle than it’s worth. However, conserving water, using clean energy, and using other eco-friendly tactics can actually help save you money in the long run. Plan to plant cover crops after your 2018 harvest to improve the health of your soil or find ways to cut your water usage to keep your operation green in the new year.
Cut Costs
One of the best ways to ensure success in the new year is to figure out where to cut down in the areas you spend the most money. Take a realistic look at the costs going into your operation so you can decide where to allocate funds. Maybe you put money into equipment fixes last year and want to hold off on farm equipment updates in 2018. The important takeaway is: figure out where income is going into your operation so you can figure out how to use funds more effectively.
Check New Tech
New technology can be what rockets an already profitable farm into greater success. Combines, irrigation, and other technological advancements have revamped farming in the past, so embracing new technology seems the best way to move your operation forward in the future. Drones have proven invaluable time-savers in assessing farm damage for some farmers who have had crop damage from floods, fires, or wildlife. Resolving to take a look at what technology can do for you in 2018 can make a huge difference on your farm.
Revamp your Crop Insurance
Taking a look at your insurance policy can mean the difference of thousands of dollars if something happens on your farm. With the Farmer’s Almanac predicting a hot, dry summer, drought is a real issue facing Nebraska’s farmers. It’s important to take a look at how new policies can help you in the new year.
Plan and Set Goals
Take time to make a plan for your future. Maybe your goal is small: go to two farm shows this year. That can be a great way to network, find new technologies to use on the farm, or just discuss farming with like-minded people without overextending yourself. Maybe you just set a lofty financial income goal just to strive for more. Taking the time to set one-year, five-year, and ten-year goals can help you keep your farm on track for success now and in the decades to come.
Any of these new year’s resolutions can help get your operation in shape for 2018. Plus, if you make business resolutions, you can probably skip the “diet and exercise goal” and stick with steak and potatoes for your New Year’s Eve meal!