In the dynamic and fast-changing world of agricultural production, successful farm management increasingly relies upon a combination of traditional wisdom and innovative strategies to improve business results and viability.
Across the industry, farm management consultants are providing expert advice to farms on optimizing operations and financial and resource management. They’re helping to improve efficiency, profitability and sustainability through tailored strategies and solutions for a broad range of farms and challenges.
Likewise, producers and agribusinesses are joining peer groups to engage with a community of similarly progressive and adaptable business leaders to push the boundaries of their management practices.
These groups offer community, a forum to share and learn from experiences or challenges and an opportunity to hear about best practices from practical experiences. They can provide valuable insights, support and networking opportunities, helping business managers enhance their acumen and make informed, confident decisions for their operations.
Farm business managers are increasingly engaging with management consultants along with a peer group to maximize the benefits available from the synergy of both professional and practical advice.
For Josh Prybylski of Creekridge Farms, the decision to engage both consultants and peer groups stems from a desire to integrate diverse forms of expertise into his farm.
He said professional consultants have aided his farm’s agronomy, marketing, human resource, and transition successes. As well, they have benefited from the professional expertise that another farm manager’s experience can bring through participating in a producer peer group.
The peer group allows for reciprocal discussion, exploration and understanding, as well as a beneficial social network of care and support.
“It’s a good group of people, and it has been very comfortable right away. Everyone is there for the same reason, and that’s why it’s working so well.”
Jake Leguee of Leguee Farms echoes this sentiment, highlighting the unique value each resource provides. For Leguee, consulting helps with specific issues, providing relevant information when the business needs it.
The peer group allows him to share ideas with other farms, discuss challenges and discover solutions he had not considered previously. They also allow him to tap into a “community of ideas from really smart and progressive farmers”. By leveraging the strengths of both services, Leguee benefits from a robust support system that addresses immediate needs and fosters long-term innovation.
The primary advantage of combining peer groups with one-on-one consulting lies in the complementary nature of these services. Prybylski emphasizes that peer groups offer a community to discuss topics not typically covered around the boardroom table. That support adds confidence to their decision making.
To know that we aren’t alone, we aren’t an island, is really helpful.” Leguee likes to explore ideas raised in his peer group and then review them with his consultants for implementation strategies and tactics. This too helps confidence and efficient decision-making on their farm.
Both farms agree that the success of such an approach depends on a willingness to invest time, effort and resources, as well as an openness to listen to and implement novel ideas.
“It’s one thing to get the advice, it’s another to implement it,” Leguee said.
“Implementation and execution are very different than discussion, so you have to be willing to go the whole way to take the next steps.” Prybylski said participants must be open to suggestions and take care to understand the experiences and expertise that each brings to best use their help in your business.
The investment in both consulting and peer groups has proven worthwhile for these farms. They’re both proud of the improvements they’ve made in their respective farms through complementary consulting and peer group engagement.
As agriculture continues to evolve, the integration of business peer groups and one-on-one management consulting represents a promising strategy for forward-thinking farms. This approach not only addresses current challenges and needs but also equips farmers with the tools and confidence to proceed through future uncertainties.
The experiences of Leguee Farms and Creekridge Farms underscore the potential of combining peer group participation with professional business management consulting. By fostering a culture of shared learning and expert guidance, farms can enhance their operations, build resilient communities and ensure sustainable growth into the future.
Blake Copley is a farm management consultant with Backswath Management Inc. He can be reached at 825-712-7684 or
