As we get closer to fall, one thing will likely be on farmers’ minds more and more – harvest season. Harvest always brings its own set of priorities and preparations that need to happen in a timely manner. It can feel like a chaotic time on the farm. It’s definitely a time to focus closely on the logistics of getting the crop in.

But before harvest preparations really kick into gear soon, it can be helpful to take a look at a few business matters first. Communication – before harvest, when you’ll be so busy – with a couple groups of people can make a huge difference once harvest is in full swing. Getting the right people on the same page with you now can pay back later.

Who to see

There are a few different groups of stakeholders who will really benefit from you bringing them in the loop now, before harvest and the end of the crop year and calendar year.

First are your employees. Set up a pre-harvest meeting with them now. That way, you can have time to get everyone on the farm on the same page about what harvest will be like. You can talk about expectations, safety procedures, plans, and just generally get everyone ready and committed to what’s sure to be a busy season of hard work. You might even have a pre-harvest barbeque or picnic for employees and their families to thank them ahead of time for the long hours they’ll be putting in during the coming months.

Next are your landlords. Getting them “in the know” before harvest is a proactive idea for a couple reasons. You can meet or talk with each of them to bring them up to speed on the state of your farm – what you expect this year to look like when harvest is done, new things you’re doing, improvements you’re making to their land, etc. Invite them to visit the farm during harvest to ride with you if they’re local.

Lenders and advisers

With your lenders, bring in your projections and your marketing plans. Show them how you’re being proactive about your farm’s financial situation. Invite them to come ride in the combine with you during harvest. Walk them through your thought process about what you will do in different scenarios depending on your yields and what’s going on with the grain markets. Doing this now will help to ease their minds – because they know you’re on top of your marketing strategy and have flexible plans in place. If you have a market adviser, you can invite them to come along to your lender meetings.

Finally, speaking of your advisers, you will want to check in with your farm’s key advisers before harvest. Talk through your business plans with them or your harvest game plan – whatever’s appropriate. Ask for their opinions, ideas and advice to help strengthen and enhance your plans. And be sure to meet with the other leaders of your operation for a pre-harvest “on the same page” meeting.

Doing all of this now will benefit your operation greatly when it’s time for the combines to roll. Make the most of your pre-harvest season!

How are you navigating this market?

Farmers have found that getting some third-party perspective from our market advisers has helped ease their minds. The advisers help farmer clients with planning and execution around marketing decisions and help keep them up to speed on the rapidly-changing grain market situation – and how it impacts their operation.

Get a free two-week trial of our marketing information service (MarketView Basic). Your free trial includes regular audio and video updates, technical analysis, recommendations and more. Learn more about our market adviser programs and offerings at www.waterstreetag.com.