I’ve spent enough time coaching teams, volunteering in organizations and working with groups of people to know communication is hard. As a result, most of time it’s poorly executed or simply nonexistent. While it’s important for everyone to participate, I believe good communication and updates fall squarely on the shoulders of the organization’s leader.
As I think about farmers and landowners, it’s clear good communication is a pathway to stronger relationships and improved trust. Of course, not everyone has a landowner to satisfy, but for those who do, here are a few tips from my own experience on both sides of this relationship.
6 QUICK TOUCH POINTS
Check out this simple list. With just six quick notes a year, you can provide real, relevant information to your landlords.
Spring Field Work: Before showing up on a farm, send a text or email saying when you’re coming and what you plan to get done.
Post Field Prep: Update on how field work went and any relevant info about planting or nutrient management plans.
Planting: Share a note that it’s happening and pertinent weather conditions i.e. “We’re behind because it’s been a wet spring.”
Mid-Season: If you’re flying or spraying a field, a heads-up before starting ensures the landowner doesn’t have plans interrupted.
Harvest: Let owners know when you’re starting and actual yield data. That’s all they want to see after an entire season of watching crops grow.
Payment: Regardless of if you’re crop sharing or cash renting, share two updates: one to note payment is due and one to let them know when it’s on the way.
Remember, for many a farm might have been in their family for generations. They have a vested interest in seeing it cared for and managed.
Plus, they own it. They deserve to know what’s happening.
Of course, you’ll need to spend time with these landowners when it’s renewal season. Keeping them informed of your efforts throughout the year is sure to payoff.
Can you get by with less? Yes, but diligent communication is never a waste and might solve problems before they ever become an issue.
