POST=DROUGHT REFLECTIONS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF DECISION MAKING

To optimise production at reduced input costs, retain flexibility and continue farming profitably has never been more difficult for farmers, or more important. Retaining the motivation to consistently achieve and the importance of decision making under pressure are two vitally important factors to continued profitability. With a succession of climatic adversities hitting the nation over recent years, it has become increasingly obvious that for many to survive, a major change in attitude is needed. With cash-flow being unpredictable and lumpy, no protective devices previously enjoyed and no cash reserves to fall back on, there is little room for complacency. The last major drought in the Hawke's Bay region highlighted the need for farmers to become aware of the value of decision making. This paper uses drought as the medium to convey the importance of planning and decision making on performance, production and income, as it is a common adversity to which most in the industry can relate. This paper demonstrates the crucial part decision making plays in mitigating the worst effects of drought to ensure a speedy return of normal stock carrying and continuity of income. Keywords: drought, decision making, planning