If you are a novice farmer who seems overwhelmed by the various decisions on farming you are called to make on the go, do not fret – there are hundreds of others in the same boat.
Some decisions do accord you the luxury of time to seriously ponder over them, but many call for a spur-of-the-moment ruling.
More often than not, the decisions taken in split seconds have a lasting impact on your journey into farming and could be the difference between success or failure.
Let me pause here; I am not referring to determining if you should take out a loan for your operations or not – or whether farming in a certain geographical area is a good idea.
The answers to these questions are usually well thought out and one rarely makes a mistake on them.
It is the ‘smaller’ decisions such as what breed to farm with, what type of farming is more profitable and how to structure such farming activities (intensive or free-range farming).
As you can see, the answers to most of these questions might be at the tip of your tongue, but I would implore you to think about it for a while.
This is because making a decision on these is usually fast, such as deciding to farm with the Simmentaler breed as opposed to the Brahman.
But when you think about it deeper, you will realise that your decision on the breed was rather subjective and did not consider many vital facts such as the traits of the breed, adaptability to your area of farming and, most importantly, whether it answers to your reasons for going into farming in the first place.
So, how does one approach this matter so as not to make a gross mistake that could take ages to correct?
Simple: do research – read, learn from more established farmers, quench your inquisitive mind with facts and, most importantly, learn of others’ mistakes so you avoid those landmines in your farming.
This means that instead of going to agriculture shows just so you could brag about it the next Monday to your friends at work, spend a considerable time while there, researching your intended breed type or type of crops you intend to venture into.
I am pretty sure you will have even better reasons to brag the following Monday with the knowledge you have gathered.
You will be truthful to your cause.
What unwarranted and exaggerated bragging does to a person’s goals is devastating.
If you have not arrived at that point, do not say you have.
This places undue pressure on you to start acting the part.
What is worse is that you start believing in your deceit and become mistakenly convinced to have the things you brag about.
It is okay to admit you do not own your mahangu field, or have no livestock to your name.
There is always a beginning to everything, and it is right at the beginning – nowhere else.
Most importantly, do not be afraid to venture into unknown territories if your gut tells you to.
Remember, just because nobody is doing it does not mean it is a bad idea.
Unfortunately, the opposite might also be true; there is a pretty good reason why nobody is doing it.
The only tool that will help you in situations like this is to remain focused and determined on your goals.
Rest a bit along the way if you must, but do not quit!
– tjatindi@gmail.com