Ontario Grain Farmer December 2021/January 2022

8 feelings of uncertainty and being overwhelmed. And during the process of revisiting the plan to go over the options, positive coping mechanisms tend to surface. These might include crunching numbers to work out the best solution, examining the most likely and worst-case scenarios, and asking for help (from your team of farm management advisors, which you should take steps to formalize to some extent if you haven’t already done so). For these reasons and more, Watson is a firm believer that the importance of creating a written farm business plan cannot be underestimated. “Knowledge is power,” she notes. “With a written plan, you can put measures in place to improve your shortcomings. Really, any issue that arises can usually be linked back to an issue within the planning and strategic management process. While we can’t get rid of all risk and uncertainty in agriculture, doesn’t it make sense to try our best to manage what’s in our control?” Farmers can start the business planning process by conducting a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis. There are also business practices assessment tools to get you going, such as ‘Growing Your Farm Profits’ available at www.farmbusinessassessment.ca . When that is done, you will have a sense of the areas that could use a little work in getting your planning on track, she says, and this becomes part of your plan. From there, many more resources on the FMC website will guide you through the entire process. DEFINING SUCCESS While FMC found that a huge majority (88 per cent) of farmers who follow a written business plan say it has contributed to their peace of mind, with over 75 per cent of respondents in the study experiencing mid- to high-stress, Watson and her team were quite surprised to see that 41 per cent reported not following a business plan because they believe they are succeeding without it. “It just doesn’t add up when you consider the sheer amount of farmers experiencing significant stress,” she says “What this indicates to me, is the need to help farmers revisit how they define success. When we asked those farmers who have a written business plan why they have one, they indicated an increase in profitability and risk management, but also improved family and farm team harmony and reduced stress and anxiety. So, I think we need to help farmers take a look at how they, and the members of their farm team, define success and work that into the vision and goals of the farm.” PROGRESS AHEAD In addition, Watson reports that some farmers resist the idea of a business plan because they believe farming is too unpredictable for planning, or because they simply don’t have time. However, she notes that when elements of the planning process are connected to meeting farmers’ immediate needs, motivation to make a plan increases. “So, that’s what we’re doing with initiatives like our risk management training program and the AgriShield risk assessment and planning platform,” she says. FMC is also starting a new national study to gain a better understanding of how the mental health of farm women can best be supported, along with supporting their crucial role in farm business management. l Grain Farmers of Ontario has developed resources (www.gfo.ca/farmerwellness) in the following areas to help farmer-members and the ag community navigate difficult times: 1. Awareness — Sharing the idea that it is a positive step to seek resources when you are struggling and that many people struggle with the same issues. 2.Prevention — Resources to manage various issues. 3.Support Resources — Options if you or someone you know needs support. A webinar series called ‘Talk, Ask, Listen’ (https://www.domore.ag/programs-1 ), developed specifically for those in agriculture, is now available. There are four sessions, and the next one will occur December 15. continued from page 6 MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO FARMERS