Farmer’s Weekly – 30 August 2019

ON THE MARKET FLOOR

I regularly get requests from
readers of this column asking
for advice on a wide range of
topics involving the production
and marketing of vegetables,
and sometimes fruit.
Note the emphasis on
vegetables, because that’s
the route followed by most
new, small-scale farmers.
My column is about
marketing, but I do my best
when readers want answers
to production-related issues.
My fellow columnist, Bill
Kerr, is an excellent source
of knowledge and practical
experience in this regard.

CASH FLOW
New farmers want to get the
cash flow going. Because
planting trees is too long term,
they opt for veggies, which are

quick and often ‘easier’ to

produce. However, a wise

farmer will seek a balance

between current and future

income by planting fruit

trees that can start generating

income after five or six years.

Growing vegetables must

continue, and I would suggest

the focus should be on the

right crops and timing

for any given region.

WITH CARE

Put another way, I’ve always

believed a small-scale

farmer should choose their

crops with care, taking into

account the many factors

that affect production and

marketing (in their area).

Do not take the ‘shotgun

approach’ and plant a wide

variety of vegetable crops.

Finding the balance

MICHAEL

CORDES

I prefer the ‘rifle approach’,

where a farmer focuses on a

few, carefully selected crops.

There are many benefits

to the rifle approach. For

one, all crops have their own

requirements, and it’s easier

to concentrate on these if

you have a limited range.

In turn, you’ll be more

efficient and (hopefully)

your costs will be lower.

QUALITY

It will also be easier to

establish a name for quality

and reliability with buyers.

So, focus on your selected

crops and let those fruit

trees grow. When they

come into production, you’ll

boost your income.

• Michael Cordes is an agricultural
  journalist, consultant, trainer
  and former farmer. Email him
  at [email protected].
  Subject line: Market floor. ▪FW

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