Final message for 2008!
I published this piece about the state of our world economy in the last edition of The Stock Yard Newsletter and had a big response to it - so I thought I’d share it with everyone.
Everyone I know, including me, is concerned about where the economy is going. The news reports are interesting – but at the end of the day no one has the crystal ball to foresee what the future holds.
As individuals we have no control over it, so why should we waste our time being consumed with worry?
I am sure there are some reporters out there that get joy out of scaring the living daylight out of us by reporting on the ‘doom and gloom’ that’s ahead and take pleasure in trying to make us feel everything is caving in around us.
Sure - it’s absolutely true our economy is constricting but don’t be fooled, other areas and industries are expanding! We are simply seeing a period of major shifts. Some of my greatest career mentors have said their businesses have done just as well in a restricted economy!
My Dad told me a story once about ‘back when he was a boy’ his father grew a crop of spuds during a drought and made more money then than he had in a good year - with less yield – enough to buy a brand new truck with the surplus income – something he wasn’t able to do when he had the extra spuds!
Winston Churchill once wrote ‘a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.’
What I am saying is now is the time to take and have an honest look at your business and make some decisions that are going to move you and your business forward instead of being paralysed with fear.
Ask youself – what positive steps are you are taking to manage your enterprise? Or are you waiting for Kevin to give you a bail out package? The New Year is looming, what a great chance to find new opportunities in your difficulties!
There are businesses out there that can help you assess your business options, including Rural Connections. If you need contacts for people who specialise in your particular enterprise – call me I’m more than happy to point you in the right direction.
I’ve left you with my thoughts – I’d welcome your comments.
As 2009 draws to a close I would like to thank you sincerely for your support this year. Next year is shaping up to be busier than ever with many major courses being diarised already.
From my family to yours I wish you a safe and happy New Year! Take care.
Free place to Hobart’s ABARE Conference
In my last post I mentioned the ABARE Regional Outlook Conference. I attended the one in Lauceston last year and got heaps from it.
It was a wonderful opportuniy to meet some new contacts and access information.
I got so much out of if that I decided that Rural Connections will shout one person to attend the conference in Hobart on the 8th of October at The Old Woolstore.
There are 12 guest speakers on topics ranging from nuffield scholars to climate change- and I must say that it looks very interesting. View the program
Drop us a line – in 50 words or less and tell us why you want to attend the conference for your chance to win.
ABARE Regional Conference
With 12 speakers across four sessions, this is your chance to access the latest commodity data and industry trends for your region at the Hobart Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 8 October.
Hear from key speakers including:
- ABARE’s Phillip Glyde on the road ahead for commodities
- Tony Pearson, ANZ, with a banker’s perspective on interest rates, and where to from here?
- Rob Goudswaard, ANZ exploring how financial institutions can contribute to sustainable communities
- Nuffield scholar Ronald Thompson, on keeping farmers in agriculture
- Melanie Ford, ABARE with climate change – preparing for carbon trading
- Ian Barnes-Keoghan, Bureau of Meteorology on coping with short and long-term climate change
- Johann Joubert, New Life Industries, discussing hydroponic farming: benefiting the environment
Download the conference program and registration form.
Facilitating Family Business Meetings
This course is a must for people that work in or with a Family Business!
Facilitated by Lyn Sykes and Karen Harper.
The workshop is conducted over five days - split into two sections of three and two days. It is an experiential workshop giving participants sufficient time to practice and enhance the skills learned during the workshop.
At this stage, depending on numbers, the course will be conducted during the 24-26 of March 2009 and 12-13 May respectively.
New BOM Rainfall Outlook Products
Today the Bureau of Meteorology launched three additional 3-month rainfall outlook products. The products give new insights into the chance of rainfall for the coming season.
The products are:
- Maps showing the rainfall amount that has a 25%, 50%, and 75% chance of falling over the coming season.
- Maps showing the chance of different amounts of rainfall falling, from 10 mm up to 700 mm.
- Tables showing the chance of various rainfall amounts for more than 260 towns across Australia.
The products are available on the Bureau’s rurally-focused Water and the Land (WATL) website.
Young Farmer Interest Rebate Scheme
Media Release by Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Allison Ritchie.
Tasmanian Government’s Young Farmer Interest Rebate Scheme was launched today for 2008- 2009 with a final round of funding totalling $750 000 for new and ongoing projects.
Ms Ritchie said the Young Farmer Interest Rebate Scheme is designed to alleviate the financial burden of new commercial loans taken up for a range of land-based farming activities in Tasmania.
“This scheme aims to encourage young farmers to invest in projects that develop the efficiency and effectiveness of their businesses,” Ms Ritchie said.
Employer of Choice Conference
The Employer of Choice Conference will help Tasmanian businesses understand and respond to an increasingly competitive labour market.
This conference is a ‘must-attend’ event for businesses seeking to attract and retain skilled workers.
Four renowned keynote speakers will discuss contemporary demographic and workforce trends and their implications for Tasmanian businesses:
- Bernard Salt, Partner KPMG
- Dr Natalie Jackson, Associate Prof. University of Tasmania
- Julie Sloan, Director Julie Sloan Management
- Michael McQueen, Director Nexgen Impact
These local Tasmanian business people will share their successful attraction and retention strategies.
To register go to the conference website.
For more information, contact Business Point on 1800 440 026.
Managing & Growing Your Business
Small Business Central Tasmania will be holding a seminar for women that will provide information to help manage & grow your business.
Topics will include:
- Tax issues for small business
- Financial aspects of running a business
- Risk management
- Networking
- Further training opportunities
When: Thursday 19th June from 9:30am – 4:00pm
Where: The Grange, Campbell Town
Cost: $15 (includes lunch)
To register contact Jon at Small Business Central Tasmania on (03) 6397 7334 - RSVP’s close 13th June.
This project is supported by funding from Women Tasmania’s Small Grants Program.
The great E-debate
Australian farmers should diversify into roo farming!
You are invited to participate in an e-debate on the above topic using the online room which we will be using to deliver the Rural Business Management course.
This debate is also an exercise to get you to think out side of your square (and probably taking a few of us out of our comfort zone.)
You have two time options for participating in this debate:
12.00 noon AEST on Tuesday 17th June 2008
8.00 pm AEST on Wednesday 18th June 2008
This e-debate is free for those wanting a good laugh! It is sure to be a great event. Register me.
Birds Eye View with FarmSAT
FarmSat is a self-assessment tool that has been designed to help producers think about their current farming practices.
This tool has been developed in conjunction with industry and NRM committee representatives to assist you to identify issues; and form action plans that will enable you to meet legal and regulatory requirements.
Until the 30th of June you have the opportunity to access a facilitator, such as myself, free of charge to guide you through the assessment process.
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