We live in a moving world where innovation is part of our daily lives. How could it be any different? Many of the things we used to work with barely ten years ago have changed drastically. Phone and mail, once the two main means of communication, are steadily being replaced by emails and text messaging. But are we in the agricultural sector going fast enough to stay competitive? Or, are we going too fast? Are we driving innovation in the right direction? So many relevant questions!
It is very inspiring to work towards innovation! It is an indicator of prosperity, improvement and often of quality of life. Few of us would want to work with tractors without a cab, to milk cows by hand or to manage the finances of their operation without software! Additionally, one constantly needs to do more with less in order to remain competitive in an economy that is increasingly fast-paced. To do so, one needs to draw in more revenue through high-end equipment, to be better informed thanks to the Internet and mobile apps, and to lower operating expenses by covering a larger amount of land per day. A lot to keep track of!
However, all new technology and every new practice is not always the best solution to one’s needs. Farm managers have to do their share and carefully evaluate their business and, especially, their personal priorities. This brings them back to their strategic plan, their vision and their values. There needs to be some prioritizing and managing done before one can work on innovation. Asking for an advisor’s assistance could surely help one see things more clearly and avoid expensive mistakes within their operation.
In short, innovation is not always synonymous with spending money. To change one’s overall way of doing things, of evaluating projects and of bookkeeping is a mean of innovation which can make a big difference at the end of the year.
The current edition of the Canadian Farm Manager will show you concrete examples of innovation, which will certainly give you food for thought!