Seven secrets of success for small farmers

Farming is like running any other business: you need to be realistic and practical in how you go about it. Roelof Bezuidenhout lists some crucial pointers to help you out.

- Roelof Bezuidenhout

Much has been written about what makes a farmer successful. Far less, however, has been written on what makes a small farmer successful. This is a pity, because the different types of farmers operate in completely different economic environments. Larger farmers can afford to pay for advice, bookkeeping, technology and a workforce, and can attend farmers’ days regularly, whereas these advantages are often out of the reach of the small farmer.

Despite these difficulties, some small farmers manage to achieve greater success than others. There’s no single reason for this, and success largely depends on a farmer’s own character. Perseverance, patience and a good work ethic, for example, are all needed.

But in addition to these attributes, farmers should focus on the following seven actions. Carry these out and you’ll be well on the way to becoming a successful small-scale farmer.

• Know yourself