Canadian farmers continually demonstrate strength and innovation in dealing with the factors that impact farming today. Fred and Irene Koskamp, farmers in Ontario, are like others in their desire for immediate solutions to implement in their farming operation. The Koskamps find ongoing education and current trend information necessary to keep their planning and management skills polished. They say workshops have enhanced their agriculture knowledge and expertise.

Many producers participate in programs and workshops that offer an opportunity to refine their skills and learn new tactics to make their operation more successful. Gaining insight into all areas of strategic planning, financial management, human resource management, environmental policies, and forging alliances with industry experts and other progressive producers are essential components of farm management. Whether farms are struggling with the transfer of the family business to the next generation or risk management, there are workshops available to help farmers take their operation to the next level and dramatically improve results.

One concept in particular continues to stand out with Fred and Irene regarding their workshop experience – ‘Is your money working for you?’ “We keep asking ourselves this question (is our money working for us),” remarked Fred. “This concept was introduced to us in the Advanced Farm Manager program through Farm Credit Canada. We look for dead assets sitting on our farm all the time, like unused equipment that can be sold to inject money back into our cash flow.”

Another important issue that most producers face, other than financial management, is overseeing human resources. Dealing with employees can be a challenge. The Koskamp’s have successfully implemented standard operating procedures over the past year and are looking at managing and developing a plan for grooming business successors. “I still keep the key points I learned (from Advanced Farm Manager) on the wall in my office to remind me of different approaches to becoming a more efficient producer,” commented Fred.

Having producers understand agricultural financing and management is important. Programs and workshops are available to help Canadian farmers expand their skills and find new avenues to expand their business.

There is no one particular approach to a successful operation, but arming yourself with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a competitive environment will benefit you and the industry. Farm Credit Canada offers Advanced Farm Manager and other programs and workshops of a variety of topics and length across Canada as part of their AgriSuccess program. For more information on these workshops, call 1-888-332-3301 or visit www.AgriSuccess.ca.