@Farmer_Coach
- Co-founder & Lead coach
@Maverick_Ag
- co-founder & CEO
Hebert Grain Ventures - CFO
Helping entrepreneurs in Ag optimize their business.
Disappointed that Canadian agriculture sees an increase in the CCGA advance as a positive. More debt is not a political fix when the repayment will be with $9.00 canola. This is first grade math and economics. This is less than a band-aid, its a piece of scotch tape.
Many agriculture advisors can tell you what you are doing wrong; not many can provide solutions on how to do it right. Be careful that you know the difference.
I love my sons, but our life is different. Part therapy, part hope that I can be helpful to others, my new blog walks you through what it’s like day-to-day in my life as a parent of two boys with autism.
#autismparent
#autismawareness
Rail Strike opinion - in all the yelling into twitter don’t forget to plan for the worst. Conserve cash, extend credit, bulge operating line, speed up delivery and sales, push off capital for now. We often spend too much time on here, not enough in our own offices.
Warren Buffett quote - “It’s only when the tide goes out that you discover who's been swimming naked”. I hope a lot of Western Canadian agriculture is not naked after this snowfall.
Maverick Ag location and HGV secondary location officially open downtown Saskatoon. Agriculture risk management planning to recover from 2019 into the 2020 crop year starts now.
With cost of production approaching $400 per acre on many operations, how feasible is 40 yield at $10 canola for break-even? 65 yield at $6 HRSW? Costs and risk mgmt insurance the new topics of 2018. Do you know what $ value you are covered for? Do you want to?
A good advisor should work with your group of advisors on whats best for you; if an ego is in the way, replace that advisor. In the long run it will be a larger ROI.
Minor tweeks to AgriStability create major opportunities. The ability for farmers to use subsidized program in conjunction with private insurance creates a new horizon in risk management. Both based on historical farm margins. History dictates future.
What would lead
@raptorent
from running a 40,000-acre grain farm to switching careers and retiring from farming at 42?
He shares that and more in this week's Truth about Ag episode.
#AgTwitter
Skyrocketing land prices make expansion tough for young farmers, but success doesn’t hinge on ownership.
Just like retailers lease space, farmers can find profit without owning land.
Agree? Disagree?
#AgTwitter
I was happy to stand alongside
@KristjanHebert
last night at the
#EOYCanada
award ceremony for the Prairie region winners. It was great to see more than one
#agriculture
company as part of the winners on stage.
🎙️After 18 months of talking about it, we've launched The Truth About Ag – a podcast diving into the realities of agriculture.
Expect fresh insights & brutally honest conversations about the industry.
Listen & subscribe on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.
#TheTruthAboutAg
The proposed changes to AgriStability for 2020 are a step in the right direction for the industry. If you haven’t looked at your risk mgmt policy on your farm might be time to pencil it out. “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful” Warren Buffett
Navigating life with my boys on the spectrum has its unique challenges & triumphs. Each day brings new lessons & moments of joy. I'm sharing these stories on my blog to connect with other parents & spread understanding.
#autismlife
#differentnotless
Just read another article on how bad AgriStability is; wish farms would take the time to review and understand. On many grain farms this is the first program to start paying. Issue is your provincial crop insurance removes that payment. There is a better way.
Too many farms are trapped in an exit strategy—either passing it on or selling.
But what about creating options?
An options strategy ensures your farm can thrive no matter what happens—retirement, sale, or even a merger.
It’s time to think bigger.
@shaunhaney
This to me is a red flag on marketing as 2023 had high values pre harvest that would have seen large potential profits. The loss over the last 12 months on grain value and present value of money is concerning on top of the current state of crops in Western Canada.
Had a great time this morning speaking at
@OldsCollege
about
#agribusiness
, precision ag &
#agtech
. Our industry is being propelled forward, yet many farms still aren't adopting the innovations. The career ops for these students is huge!
@clintwfischer
Find outside employees (COO, CEO) to run the farm until the grandkid has the skills; he may never run the farm if not qualified, may just end up an owner (dividends) and an operator (salary). Blood does not make someone qualified to manage a million dollar company.
In an industry where you can use multiple insurance products to reduce/remove risk, why is agriculture still about to face a disaster in many locations of western Canada? Food for thought; fail to plan to plan to fail.
#riskmgmt
#maverickag
#GARS
@405farmer
Depends on what your definition of success is for you. Some do it for lifestyle, wealth, legacy, or addiction to the game. Many ways to “chase your passion”. The only caveat is complacency may cause generational issues if consolidation continues (too many mouths to feed)
@RonKrahn
Conservative 5 yr remove anomalies. If you shoot high throws off capital plan, projected ratios, debt leverage plan. Can really put a farm in a bad spot. Also have seen increased inputs and assuming an increase in yield. This never turns out well either.
Does your bank work for you or do you work for your bank? Know the difference? Debt Capacity/Service Ratio = Cash Earnings / Debt Obligations Next 365 Days. This key performance indicator is crucial for your financing relationships in 2019/2020.
Farm transitions don’t start when it's time to retire, they need to start when the next generation are teens.
In Episode 13 of The Truth About Ag,
@clintwfischer
& I discuss skill diversity and what’s best for the operation.
#FarmSuccession
@Kotyjo
Rent for your land, a return on investment for your equity, and a wage for labor and any mgmt. Next generation gets the rented land from you, the bank of parents at a fair rate, and an employee or partner. All fair, and non-farm siblings cannot claim a free ride for farming kid
Jordan and Jennifer Lindgren’s philosophy centers on family and farming as a lifestyle. While this differs from our usual business-first approach, their insights highlight the diversity in
#ag
. And we can't argue with their success!
@lindgrenfarms1
If you could wake up January 1st and know your worst case scenario for the year, would this affect your decision making? Did you know you can layer insurance products? Can you insure a profit? A break even?
The road isn't always smooth in the world of parenting. In my blog post, I take you through a particularly tough day that many of us face but don't talk about. It's unfiltered & real, just like our daily lives.
#autismparent
#autismawareness
Today is
#WorldAutismAwarenessDay
. Our journey with autism is about vibrant, unique perspectives & what it means to be a good human. It's not about changing my kids but expanding our world to embrace them.
Your advisors need to be working together.
If your marketing guy isn't talking to your CFO or accountant, you're setting yourself up for failure.
Don't just estimate—use real numbers.
#AgTwitter
In todays market, do you expand through land purchases or land rent? Is it cash rent, crop share, or some other agreement (joint venture)? Do you have a formula on how to analyze? Ever tried gross margin divided by land value per acre? We have
@Maverick_Ag
Podcast Non Farmer - “If ag wants to attract people they need to stop complaining”. Starting to see it. As an industry there is no better career and right now great opportunity. Less focus on handouts, more on growth and opportunity. Needed for the next generation.
@kowalchukfarms1
Feels like in todays market farms are “takers” on both sides. Everything from equipment to labour to general insurance and accounting fees have doubled in last 5 yrs. Both revenue and expenses are going to be harder to manage going forward.
I know it can be hard to deal with rising farming equipment prices, but as farmers, we’re a part of the problem. The key to coping is finding other efficiencies where you can. I shared some in a recent
@farmer_coach
blog.
#CdnAg
#agribusiness
Does your risk mgmt plan take into account all financial and operational risks? Do you know your true cost of production? Have you identified the lowest income you can have for your bank terms? If not, we can help.
@Maverick_Ag
@KevinHursh1
For most farms there AgriStability margin is considerably higher revenue attachment than SCIC at $273 avg for this year. Plus it covers contract buyouts, hedging, inputs, fuel and wages. SCIC removes any chance of AgStab benefits. Know what program is best for your farm.
Really enjoyed speaking at
@MBAgDays
this morning about navigating the daily risks of
#farming
. It was great to connect & chat with so many people after my talk.
#AgDays23
@TrentMeyerSK
Same chance they were going to “fight for my kids” on the week off last week. With two kids on the spectrum they have thrown off our whole family for months with the changes in routine. At this point they can lock them out and I will hire the classroom EAs who deserve the money.
Delegation is more than assigning tasks – it makes life easier for everyone.
When done right, it can be game-changing.
The key?
Reduce the workload of those above you.
#AgTwitter
#TheTruthAboutAg
Admit it – we love being the 'keyman' on the farm. The one everyone turns to…until we want a break.
If your farm can’t run without you, you’ve got a problem.
Focus on people, processes, and patience.
#AgTwitter
Navigating the ever-changing magic of Christmas with my boys Ashton & Trystan has been a journey. From new challenges every year, to their unfiltered awe at Christmas lights - we now understand what truly makes the holidays special. Read more of our story:
Every morning, my wife and I exchange a single word: “survive.”
It’s our reminder that even when the days feel impossible, we keep going. The demands of raising children with autism are relentless, but so is our resolve.
#Autism
What’s your capital plan? How many years out do you project and do you know how it affects your ratios? Do you send it to your banks and equipment dealers? Make advisors work for you.
@Maverick_Ag
Some days are etched in memory in permanent ink, marking the start of a life-altering journey. I've penned down 'Day One' in a blog post, a raw account of facing the unexpected & coming to terms with a new reality. Read here:
#autismparent
#autismawareness
I'm presenting today at the Convergence conference. We're at the cusp of a major shift in agriculture, powered by data.
When inventory is only turned once per year & the labour force is shrinking, what is the ace in the hole for farms?
Say hi if you'll be at the conference!
Enjoyed chatting with
@DamianPMason
on the Business of Agriculture podcast.
As you navigate an era of high interest rates, consolidation & even demographic changes in North American farms, it becomes even more critical to think like entrepreneurs.
Viewing your farm as a business means assessing team strengths & seeking external support where needed. Explore McArthur Ag Ventures' story on leveraging outside help for business growth:
#FarmBusiness
#TeamStrengths
@kfhauswirth
Debt Capacity - indicates future lending availability (1.20 min), Working Capital to Expense - indicates available capital for future operations (30% to 75%), Cost of Production and Labour Power and Machinery per acre, Return on Equity - proper return on investment (> lend rate)
@RobSomerville1
Two totally different business models, can’t compare; one is intensive capital, high debt leverage, low cash equivalents while one is higher cash reserves, much lower debt requirements, and minimal working capital strategy.
@Mac_Acres
@MNP_Ag
@macspenny
@MrsMacAcres
@KendallMcarthur
3C’s....Cash - Manage working capital strategy. Costs - Budget of accrual cost of production and profit potential. Coverage - Remove and track the downside risk with insurance. Now farming gets fun. Great meeting for a great year.
@RonKrahn
In its simplest form comes down to rent, equity, labor, and mgmt. Make new generation motivated to work and invest, pay old gen fair market value for land and use of equity. Too often free ride destroys the next gen motivation and urgency to be better.
The Truth About Ag promo release for next week’s podcast with
@StackhouseJohn
@KristjanHebert
. Check us out on the
@realagriculture
network. Also see our newest webinar series over on the
@Maverick_Ag
website. A deeper dive into the conversations and strategies on the podcast.
@RonKrahn
@hodgy39
A lot of speculation and as usual a tone of hating progressive change. Not that I agree or disagree with the deal, just sad to see an industry hate on types of success. If given the option, most would take the same deal.
My wife and I took the road less traveled – it just wasn’t by choice. When my sons were diagnosed with
#autism
, we knew we had to move back to the city. Eventually, I found my way back to primary producer
#agriculture
, here's the story:
#differentnotless
Facing an autism diagnosis can feel like standing alone in a storm.
We've been there—twice.
Our story isn't just about challenges; it's about the preparation, questions to ask & acceptance. Curious? Dive in:
Amy and I were honored to speak at Autism Services of Saskatoon's Jazz Night fundraiser. We shared our journey with our boys and the incredible support we've received through their programs.
Huge thanks to everyone who came out to support this cause!
#autismawareness
Why do some farms soar & others stagnate? It's not just luck; it's about accountability. My latest blog explores the necessity of business plans & how without accountability, you are left with mere dreams.
RBC recently reported that 66% of producers don’t have a succession plan.
Shocking? Not really.
Too many producers don’t view their farms as an actual business that needs to be run like an actual business.
How do we change that?
#CdnAg
Another week of flights and speaking; first stop in Winnipeg
@FCCagriculture
for Young Farmer Summit then onto Phoenix for Ag Exec Conference with Ag View Solutions.
Don’t assume big farms are doomed in a downturn. When managed right, they can actually outmaneuver smaller operations.
It comes down to strategic growth.
How? Check out the blog:
#AgTwitter
"Did I want to be a farmer, or am I a farmer because my dad was a farmer & my grandpa was a farmer? Did I really pick farming, or did farming pick me?"
This week
@raptorent
shares what life looks after farming on The Truth About Ag podcast:
#AgTwitter
@Plantmore1
Some good points, but they need to fact check numbers better; majority of outrageous land purchases lately are farmers (investors don’t buy based on emotion). Also would say land not the only reason young farmers have trouble (cost of inputs, machinery, labor, succession).
Jack & Jill went up the hill… and took very different approaches to their farms. Jill's aggressive growth vs. Jack's contentment with the status quo raises questions about the future of ag. How do we balance expansion with community?
#AgTwitter
Today & everyday, let's celebrate the incredible women who have been driving forces for change in the agriculture industry. Their contributions have been integral in shaping the future of farming, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.
#IWD2023
#WomeninAg
When I came on as CFO at Hebert Grain Ventures, I thought it would be similar to my role in external consulting. Once I saw the full picture of the operation, I realized there was more to benchmarking than just the quantitative >>
Enjoyed sitting down with
@timhammerich
for his podcast The Future of Agriculture. We talked about cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset & how to apply it to your farm business.
Listen below or check out the episode wherever you listen to podcasts 👇🏻
@kperlik
@Andrew_Dalgarno
At current price points the next generation of farms will rely on them. Farms in growth mode will also require ability to rent. In most areas farmers are driving the price increase as most investors have an ROI target that doesn’t work in today’s price height.
"There's no traffic jam on the extra mile."
I heard this gem of a quote at
#TEPAP
. It's a powerful reminder that when you push yourself beyond the norm, you'll encounter less competition. Applying this wisdom to your business can pave the way for unexpected opportunities.
Insurance may not gleam like a new combine under the sun, but in the tough world of Ag, it's the unseen hero. Ignoring insurance is a risk too high for farmers. It's about protecting not just crops, but your farm’s future.
#AgTwitter
A great night crop checking, riding combines, and discussing farm policy and history with the honourable deputy minister Lawrence Hanson and his team at
@AAFC_Canada
. Thank you
@ColbornFarms
for the hospitality
@Maverick_Ag
@Farmer_Coach
.
Struggling to carry my autistic son up the stairs was my wake-up call.
As our kids grow, the physical demands of parenting them increase.
Staying stronger than the average person is essential. Be the bigger dog in the fight.
#Autism
Is the agriculture industry really that different from other industries when it comes to succession and transition planning? We need to break free from the notion of being “special” & adopt proven business practices.
#agribusiness
#agriculture
#CdnAg
My childhood views on large farms hurting agriculture were typical, but today, with more data & experience, I see it differently. While I don't blindly support consolidation, I think it's inevitable. We can resist or adapt & contribute to progress.
#CdnAg
Primary producer agriculture is the one business where you can be a millionaire on paper but still worry about paying next month's bills.
While cash position is important, strong working capital is key to long-term success in farming.
Read more: