October is a busy month. Anywhere but the south, it’s time to get the crops in, get the garlic planted, and get the fields ready for a winter’s nap and spring’s hustle.
Actually, every month’s a busy month for farming. And just about every other business out there.
When the pressure’s on, it’s easy to get focused on marking tasks off the list before the deadline bears down on you. Add in the additional pressure of keeping costs under control, and it’s even easier to try to get the work done with the bare minimum of resources – especially labor.
But it’s not enough to get the tasks marked off the list. If you want to maximize outcomes, you’ve got to take the time and expend the resources to get the tasks done right.
Pilots go over the pre-flight checklist even when they’re running late because the cost of a less-than-optimum outcome when you’re miles up in the air isn’t a pleasant thought to contemplate.
Even when the fall harvest is in full swing, take the time to get things right – especially where consequences are significant. When you undercut the carrots before harvest, use a spotter to pull out roots every fifteen feet to check the depth of your undercutter. When you plant garlic, make certain the spacing and row markings are correct, and make your crew take the time to separate every clove. Take the time to through the tools and materials you need before you head out to cover crops ahead of a frost. Keep checking the oil in your tractor.
A focus on outcomes will create long-term results. Your carrots will have nice tips, and you won't discover missing ends that keep them out of the wholesale market or make them look sad at market. Good clove separation means more big bulbs. And checking the oil in your tractor every day - too busy or not - not only keeps it running, but gives you a moment to breathe, take notice, and think about your next move.
Actually, every month’s a busy month for farming. And just about every other business out there.
When the pressure’s on, it’s easy to get focused on marking tasks off the list before the deadline bears down on you. Add in the additional pressure of keeping costs under control, and it’s even easier to try to get the work done with the bare minimum of resources – especially labor.
But it’s not enough to get the tasks marked off the list. If you want to maximize outcomes, you’ve got to take the time and expend the resources to get the tasks done right.
Pilots go over the pre-flight checklist even when they’re running late because the cost of a less-than-optimum outcome when you’re miles up in the air isn’t a pleasant thought to contemplate.
Even when the fall harvest is in full swing, take the time to get things right – especially where consequences are significant. When you undercut the carrots before harvest, use a spotter to pull out roots every fifteen feet to check the depth of your undercutter. When you plant garlic, make certain the spacing and row markings are correct, and make your crew take the time to separate every clove. Take the time to through the tools and materials you need before you head out to cover crops ahead of a frost. Keep checking the oil in your tractor.
A focus on outcomes will create long-term results. Your carrots will have nice tips, and you won't discover missing ends that keep them out of the wholesale market or make them look sad at market. Good clove separation means more big bulbs. And checking the oil in your tractor every day - too busy or not - not only keeps it running, but gives you a moment to breathe, take notice, and think about your next move.
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