In the corporate world, decision makers, owners, CEO’s all have sounding boards, coaches or teams that they can meet with and seek advice, expertise or input when making critical decisions, but who does the farmer have? As pointed out by Marcia Taylor in her discussion with Danny Klinefelter, a professor of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University, where do farmers go “for counseling and to build a confidential sounding board on his or her farm business decision?” The popularity of peer groups among farmers is rising; more farmers are realizing the benefits of joining a group. A peer group is defined by Gordon Marshall in his Dictionary of Sociology as “a group of individuals, which share certain common characteristics.” The lonely days at the top are disappearing…potentially for a peer group, properly formed and moderated, can offer numerous perspectives to achieve a solution expeditiously. Peer groups are becoming a necessary aid to farmers in the rapidly changing farming industry and economy.
However, just by joining a peer group does not guarantee success. It is important to find the right “fit” in a group. If you are not comfortable with the people you are around, then you are less likely to share your problems. If you are unwilling to share your problems, then you will be missing out on the input that fellow farmers would be able to provide. The more you share or put into the group, the more advice, wisdom and expertise you will get by utilizing the group’s strengths and experience. Who better to ask for advice, than another farmer that has been in your shoes and faced the very same problem?
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