Make a “Lessons Learned” List from 2021 to Kickstart 2022
As 2021 comes to an end, it is important to review the past year and look ahead. Our farm and seed team makes a “lessons learned” list at the end of harvest to fix and hopefully improve on issues from the prior year.
This could be the most important discussion of the year. Don’t put yourself in the position at planting in 2022 to say, ‘Darn it, I was meaning to fix that!’
Here are seven keys to implementing “lessons learned” in your operation:
1. Set a date and time. Have all team members and decision-makers in the room. Even if your office assistant and CEO don’t have any say in equipment maintenance, for example, it is good for them to hear what expenses might come up, as well as observe dynamics.
2. Create an agenda and a list. Identify the key areas to discuss. Our operation looks at fertility, planting, spraying, sidedress, repairs, storage, harvest, logistics, marketing, seed cleaning and processing, and office work. Keep the meeting to two to three hours and stay on track. Don’t go down any rabbit holes.
3. Take good notes. No one can possibly remember everything that needs to be done, which is why you’re having the meeting. Identify someone to take notes in each area (translating rambling thoughts to short and actionable items).
4. Implement the plan. The issues have been identified and discussed, now who is going to see them through to completion? Who will fix the planter? Who will adjust the seed and fertility plan? Identify the person, deadline and what exactly needs to be done.
5. Create accountability. How will the team know when an action is complete? Who is responsible for making sure everything is done? This is not micromanaging; it is a team effort to make sure everything is accomplished.
6. Post or file the list. This historical record is important for long-term review and future management decisions. Some operations put the list in a picture frame, while others keep it in a binder for review as needed.
7. Add it to your annual list. If you haven’t already, take time to write down what your farm does, or needs to do, month by month. For instance, if you normally start combining Sept. 15, set a date of Sept. 1 for all harvest equipment to be ready to go. Or if you want to be 50% sold on expected production by June 15 in most years, make a note of that in June on your annual list. Post this where everyone can see it.
As you ring in 2022, instead of making a list of resolutions, work on tangible actions to fix and improve on any farm issues from 2021. Then you will have more time to focus on your goals and aspirations.
Email Shay at shay@agviewsolutions.com for a rough agenda and outline to use in your team’s 2021 “lessons learned” exercise.
Shay Foulk is a farm business consultant with Ag View Solutions, providing profit management and business analysis. He farms and runs a regional seed business with his wife and father-in-law in Illinois.
