Download the full module
This is a planning process and not a recipe. It provides a framework that draws on your existing knowledge and aspirations and, in a relatively systematic way, assesses the benefits, as well as potential flow on effects and implementation challenges, of any change under consideration.
Step 1: Deciding the options and priorities
| Where am I know? |
Where do I want to go? |
- This is where you describe your current situation and perhaps why you are dissatisfied with what you are doing or the results your are currently getting.
|
- This is where you describe your vision, or where you want to get to, or what results you want to achieve. It is important that this section highlights as specifically as possible what you want to see or achieve from any changes in your plan.
|
| What are my options? |
What is the highest priority? |
- Can I modify my enterprise mix? Is there a pasture management solution? Are there off-farm options?
- There are often many different options or approaches to achieving your vision of where you want to be. List as many as you can think of.
|
- From the list of options, select the one that you think is most appropriate or the best option for you. This may require further information or discussion with others (advisors or co-decision makers)
|
Step 2: Planning the change
| Possible impacts on the farm |
Possible impacts off the farm |
List the likely impacts, for example:
- pastures and animals
- finances
- you and your family
- soil and nutrients
- native or remnant vegetation.
|
List the likely impacts, for example:
- your customers
- your community
- catchment natural resource management (NRM) priorities.
|
| Likely impact of profitability |
Overall assessment |
Profitability
- What is the expected impact on profitability and where will it come from? Reduced costs? Increased returns? How sure is the gain from year to year?
Other key considerations. What issues have to be considered? Examples might include:
- Are extra skills needed?
- How will the change be financed?
- Are additional animals required?
- How long before the change breaks?
- How committed am I to the change?
|
Main advantages
- What are the main advantages (small number only) you expect from the change?
Main disadvantages/risks
- What are the most critical potential downsides and risks to be considered and managed? How will you know if things are not going according to plan?
Conclusion and implementation
- Decision to proceed and steps for implementation.
|
Source: Towards Sustainable Grazing: The Professional Producer's Guide (2005), MLA.
Example – “I’m wanting to increase pasture production and animal output”
