A new year and a new decade is an opportunity for agriculture to reflect and regroup.
One look at the supermarket shelves and the speed at which consumer choice is changing is evident. Portions became pre-sliced and now instant meals and alternative protein products are sold in the meat section.
It is not the time for personal opinion, but rather we must collectively put our business hat on and look to the future. It's tough for many now, but after the drought will come recovery. We are at the point where not everyone will make it. For some exiting will be a financial decision, while for others it will be for wellbeing or simply because the timing is right.
Drought reminds us good decisions are not made in a time of crisis. Conversations that challenge us and question why we do what we do are never high on our to-do list. A reactive approach is usually a defensive one with a short-term focus.
When was the last time you questioned your definition of success? If your goal is to still be happily married or enjoying Christmas with your family at the start of the next decade, it may pay to rethink priorities as you set new years' goals.
Children are now encouraged to contribute, speak up and share their opinions on all matters of importance to them. But how ready are family farming enterprises for intergenerational management discussions?
Trial by social media, blatant political maneuvring, and the increasing trend to commoditise our natural resources are some elements of the operating environment that even the most adaptive operator find challenging.
Society, families and businesses want real conversations about genuine topics with measurable outcomes. Being adaptive has never been more important.
Resilience helps you survive but keeps the focus narrow. In order to thrive we must look up and out together.
It takes commitment to do things differently but, if approached in a collaborative way, our family businesses can successfully address evolving expectations.
The approach we choose has never been more important. The external environment will continue to challenge agriculture. We are all in this together so we need to take care of each other, value differing opinions and focus on what's important for the next decade.