It’s good to share, says Old Mill Rural Services
Farming is becoming an increasingly lonely and financially unstable career, which is why collaboration between farmers has never been so important, argues specialist rural business advisers, Old Mill.
“Farmers working together can deliver some truly impressive results,” says Mike Butler, Rural Services partner at The Old Mill Group. “Co-operation has never been such a significant factor in terms of gaining financial security, and in terms of moral support. Farming can be really tough, so it is time for farmers to break down barriers and work together rather than compete, or at worst, attempt to out do each other.”
Co-operation is definitely beginning to take effect, argues Old Mill, and the firm is trying to encourage it as much as possible, but on the other hand realises it is foolish to think that every farm has the opportunity to work with another.
“But, for those that know they are over-staffed, those that need an extra helping hand but can’t afford an extra member of staff or for those looking to rationalise their equipment, co-operation could be the ideal opportunity,” says Mr Butler.
“Dairy farmers can share costs, and we have come across farmers sharing mixer wagons and labour but still getting the job done perfectly adequately. The same applies with dirty water systems such as umbilicals and muck handling equipment.”
Old Mill argues that those farmers who don’t take advantage of opportunities to approve efficiency may not survive the next five years. “We have seen examples of it working and in many cases we have set up those improvements ourselves,” says Mr Butler. “If this is something you are interested in looking into, then talk to us about it, we are here to help.”
Ends.