AgriSuccess
The big picture - Canada and the world
Commit your goals to paper
By Kevin Hursh
Most producers have goals for their operation. They believe goals are important. But unless they're written down, goals tend to be vague and are often little more than a hope or dream.
Through its Vision Panel, Farm Credit Canada asked producers across the country - in all sectors of production - about their goal-setting habits.
Ninety per cent of the 997 respondents say they believe setting goals increases the likelihood of their farming operation's success. When asked if they've set specific goals, 85 per cent responded that they have. That's an extremely high number when compared to the general public.
Those who do set goals provided some excellent feedback on their successes and failures, and what processes they use. You can read more about that in our feature story on goal setting you'll find on page 12.
Eighty-six per cent of producers setting goals say they've discussed them with others. Respondents most commonly reported setting goals on a yearly or long-term basis, and just over half (52 per cent) say they most often review their goals on an annual basis.
There are a number of reasons respondents gave for not setting goals. Some are unsure how to do it. Others say they're too busy, or that goal setting is too difficult in partnership situations. Some say there are so many external factors a producer can't control that goals are a waste of time. Still, the survey results are a strong endorsement of the value and importance of goal setting.
Does having goals help you accomplish more? Seventy-one per cent of those who did set goals say yes, while 25 per cent are unsure. Four per cent of respondents say no.
The big disappointment is that few producers who set goals report actually writing those goals down. Of the 845 with specific goals for their operation, only 32 per cent say any of them are written down, leaving 68 per cent who have not committed their goals to paper. In the open-ended comment section of the survey, many indicated that they know their goals would be more powerful if committed to paper - yet few producers have done so.
When written, goals tend to be more specific with defined timelines. They're easier to share with others. You can look at them to remind yourself where you're at and where you're going. The written form is also a prompt for when it's time to officially adjust one or more of your goals.
It's a new year. It might be a good time to review the goals for your farm and, if you haven't already, write them down.
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