Just how do you select a farm consultant? Who are you meant to know is good value? What equates to good farming advice?
There is heaps of advice out there these days and it’s not just from your neighbours and what they think!
So if you want on farm consulting, here are some guidelines to help you.
1. Ask to visit the farms that the consultant is working with.
2. Ask to speak with the farmers that he is working with.
3. Write notes of what you would expect to see and the questions that you would need to ask.
For example some typical questions to ask:
Firstly things to look for regarding the SOIL
Has the top soil been observed and has it increased in depth significantly?
Is soil life in abundance?
Is there any soil compaction?
Has soil moisture holding capacity increased? Do crops and pastures hold on longer in the dry?
Does stubble or pasture dry matter break down readily?
Secondly about INPUTS
Have synthetic fertilisers been reduced or eliminated on the property? Have hazardous chemicals been reduced or eliminated from use?
Thirdly about RECORDS
Are comprehensive tests taken? What sort of tests? Have records been kept? What sort of records?
Fourthly about PROFITS
Has the margin between costs and profits improved? Is the farmer satisfied with his returns?
Lastly ask the farmer is he enjoying what is happening on his farm?
At Farming Secrets we will continually showcase leading farmers/ successful farmers who understand and value the importance of true soil health that leads to their success and gives them joy in farming.
