Running a farm is a bloody tough job. You need to be tough, resilient, and hardworking to make it work. But have you ever thought about the power of having company values? I know it might sound silly, but hear me out.  

Having clear company values can help you and your team stay on track and make decisions that align with your vision for the farm. It’s like a moral compass that keeps everyone moving in the same direction. Here are a few reasons why creating company values is important:  

• Provides a sense of purpose: Having company values gives you and your team a clear sense of purpose and direction. You’ll know exactly what you stand for and what you want to achieve, which can help you stay motivated and focused.  

• Helps with decision-making: When you have clear company values, it’s easier to make decisions that align with your vision for the farm. You’ll be able to weigh up different options and choose the one that best fits with your values.  

• Improves communication: When everyone is on the same page, communication becomes easier and more effective. You’ll be able to have open and honest conversations with your team, and everyone will know what’s expected of them.  

• Builds a strong culture: Having clear company values can help you build a strong and positive culture on the farm. It can help you attract and retain like-minded people who share your values and want to contribute to the success of the farm.  

So, how do you go about creating company values for your farm? Here are a few tips to get you started:  

• Involve your team: Your team is the heart and soul of your farm, so it’s important to involve them in the process. Hold a meeting or a workshop to discuss what’s important to everyone and what values they think the farm should embody.  

• Keep it simple: Your company values should be easy to remember and understand. Keep them short and sweet (we suggest having 5), and use language that everyone can relate to. 

• Be authentic: Your company values should reflect who you are as a farm and what’s important to you. Don’t try to copy someone else’s values – make sure they are true to your own beliefs and vision for the farm.  

• Live your values: Creating company values is one thing, but living them is another. Make sure you and your team are living your values every day, and hold each other accountable when you don’t.  

Creating company values might seem like a daunting task, but it’s worth it in the long run. It can help you build a strong and positive culture on the farm and make sure everyone is working towards the same goals.   

Give it a go,  you might be surprised at the results.