In a world full of threats to our livelihood in agriculture, what is the biggest danger we face in 2025?
Is it election hangover, continued low prices or issues with the new farm bill? All concerning, yes, but I’ll argue the biggest threat to businesses of all sizes is actually internal. It’s one word: complacency. It’s that tendency toward thinking deep issues will go away. Complacency happens to our operations when we decide we are simply too busy working in the business to work on the business.
Fortunately, there are a couple quick call outs you can consider.
Three Ways to Stop Complacency in 2025
Hire right.
Have you taken an honest look at how you are building your bench for the future? How far from retirement are you right now? Have you begun that new CEO search?Besides your own successor, what does hiring look like for your team in 2025 and into the next two to three years. Most importantly, is this topic getting the attention it deserves? While many top producers don’t enjoy the process of hiring and firing, avoiding it means not being prepared for changes, emergencies and long-term growth.
Solve the problem even if you inherited it.
I’ve heard many times from second- or third-generation producers that they just “have to live with” some problems because they inherited them. Just because you didn’t initiate the problem doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to solve it. In the past two columns we even talked about culture change and how to shift culture, so you might take a re-read of those if this topic hits home.Complacency really takes root with the attitude of: “Well, I didn’t create this mess, why should I clean it up?” Instead, look at ways to become proactive and take the necessary steps to rectify long-term problems. What aspect of your business is messy and requires the necessary clean up this year? What have you been avoiding in the operation that must be resolved to grow and thrive?
- Build anew.
Radical change is sometimes the easiest fix. While that seems ridiculous in light of what we just covered in number two, often, when it’s time to change, it’s time to change big. Take a look at all aspects of your business and marketing model. Is the process of change already happening to you while you’ve not yet begun to shift with it? For example, new markets, such as programs in sustainability, are becoming mainstream. Does is make sense to wait until full adaptation of these initiatives or is there a fit for your business in the near term?
“Fix it, close it or sell it’’ was a favorite slogan credited to former General Electric CEO, Jack Welch. What this means is that there are diminishing returns by being in a business where you are not the market leader. Maybe a new diversified business line that supports your more traditional production system is the way to build anew. Either way, looking at where the future of your business could be at least once a year is essential and keeps you ahead of the complacency trap.
Dear Reader: After 10 years and nearly 40 editions, it’s time to retire The Farm CEO Coach column from Top Producer Magazine. The Farm Journal brands are trusted, reliable sources of information and commentary, and it is an honor to engage with this organization and readers. I am still writing, coaching and consulting in agriculture and look forward to continued occasions to work with the portfolio of magazines when the opportunity presents. Stay in touch by connecting on LinkedIn or Instagram.
