January 2010 edition
Six top tips for taking a break from the farm
It has been a tough season with low opening milk price, changeable weather and just finishing the fodder conservation period. All this can take its toll on both your physical and mental state. One way this can be alleviated is to plan for some time away from the farm, allowing time for a re-charge of the batteries.
Points for consideration include:
- Pick a time for a holiday that allows you and your family to get away from the farm without needing to be worried about stock management issues. It could be when you have a constant feeding routine that can be easily picked up by your employees or people you may bring in to farm sit.
- If you employ staff, having a roster where others can clearly see when you are intending to take holidays as well as the timing for your staff to take them is very beneficial.
- Lock the time in and commit to taking them as planned. Purchase the tickets or book the motel, etc, and don’t cancel them!
- Make sure you have clear and easy to follow instructions for most of your equipment use and for the feed management of your stock. A list of emergency contacts would also be good backup.
- Booking your relief milker and/or farm sitter if needed in plenty of time and lock them in with an adequate payment package.
- Have you thought of working in with a neighbour to enable you to be able to afford to take a holiday. You could offer to look after the neighbour’s farm when they take holidays and vice versa.
Most importantly, take your holiday, turn off your mobile phone and enjoy a break away from the pressures of the farm.
For more detailed information, visit the People in Dairy website at www.thepeopleindairy.com to look at how to develop rosters and to see what some farmers have to say about lifestyle and planning breaks away from the farm.
