Strategy and Planning

The 10 best practices of leading farmers

In interviews with successful and innovative producers in Saskatchewan, Best Practice Group identified 10 principles of success:

1. Apply a comprehensive systematic approach to integrating business and family into the planning process
2. Have a written business plan developed with financial professionals
3. Continuously improve and look ahead
4. Have a big, outrageous vision for the future
5. Be production driven and surpass the benchmark average
6. Excel at controlling expenses and avoid over capitalization
7. Market at a premium price and always focus on the customer
8. Be well informed about risk management options
9. Be environmental stewards because that will sustain profitability
10. Enjoy what you are doing “Success is like Darwin’s theory of evolution,” says Scholz.

“It’s not the fastest, strongest or the smartest who survive. It’s those best able to adapt to change. Those are the ones who are going to succeed.”