Exploring a general management approach to farm management

Abstract

The challenge of managing a farm business is becoming more like that facing other types of business. As this happens, general management principles that have proven useful to nonfarm managers are likely to prove useful to farm managers. This article explores the applicability of a simple general management model to farm management. The model is found to apply, and in the process helps dimension the complexity and integrated nature of decision‐making on the farm. Further research is called for to extend the application of the general management approach to farm management.

Factors influencing the strategic decision to further develop dairy production — A study of farmers in central Sweden

“…At the most intimate level, Gasson et al (1988) and Harling and Quail (1990) point out the significant role of family discussions in understanding farm decision processes. Hansson (2007) confirms the importance of micro-level network discussion, finding that dairy farmers who discussed production issues on a regular basis in their social network were economically more efficient than farmers who did not.…”

On the relationship between financial and non-financial factors

“…Research on non-financial factors and firm survival has also received significant attention in the agricultural finance literature. For example, Harling and Quail (1990) claim that managing farm businesses is becoming similar to other types of business and general management principles and decision-making that has been effective for non-farm managers may also prove useful to farm managers. In a multi-country analysis, Howard, Litzenberg, Schneider and Fairnie (1990) investigate the various skills and attributes managers possess for Agribusiness success in Australia, Canada and U.S.…”

Goat System Productions: Advantages and Disadvantages to the Animal, Environment and Farmer

“…Several authors consider that the general and strategic management approaches are applicable to agricultural enterprises and those who apply them are more successful [22,23]. The application of strategic management concepts helps to design the way the farmer will achieve the objectives, and it is convenient to know the strengths and weaknesses, the opportunities and the threats [24,25].…”