Kerry Ryan - Australian Dairy Farmer, NZ Dairying Today and Rural News published articles

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Exit Strategies & Asset Values - November 2011

I have recently been involved in assignments where clients have been grappling with decisions around asset values as they embark on next step in their business strategy. With the average age of farm owners around 60, many are looking for options that will enable them move on to new horizons such as retirement or downsizing to eliminate excess debt.

Download: Exit Strategies & Asset Values - November 2011

Leadership Styles - transactional or transformational? - June 2011

Working with farming teams throughout the primary sector and on both sides of the Tasman has given me a unique chance to observe various approaches to leadership and getting the best out of people. This has got me thinking about teamwork and in particular the merits of different leadership styles. It's a topic that is relevant in New Zealand right now as we celebrate "Leadership Week" in July.

Download: Leadership Styles - transactional or transformational? - June 2011

Volatility or Victory - March 2011

Current optimism from forecasts of very strong product prices across the primary sector contrasts starkly with the human and economic consequences of local and international events. In my view these happenings are almost certain to fuel volatility in our national and farming economy. Farming businesses need to be wary of jubilation (or even worse complacency) as milk, meat and fibre prices rise to record levels.

Download: Volatility or Victory - March 2011

Change and challenge for the future of farming - January 2011

Reflecting on 2010 and looking to 2011 and beyond has got me thinking about the characteristics of businesses that will be sustainable, profitable and satisfying for the long term.

In my view, the future will challenge farm business leaders and owners to be more self aware, better in tune with relationships and people in their business, committed to robust financial and monitoring systems and focused on a strategy to balance lifestyle and job satisfaction. Those who keep striving for excellence for these aspects of their operation are likely to see real rewards.

Download: Change and challenge for the future of farming - January 2011

Best practice for 2011 - December 2010

The start of a New Year is always a good time to review what’s going well and what could be done better in any business operation. While most can celebrate high standards for operations management, I see room for growth in three key areas -- advanced team management, more effective use of benchmarking and stronger links between strategic and annual plans.

I intend to challenge my clients about these this year as I believe they will accelerate business performance and enable them to take advantage of positive prospects for 2011 and beyond.

Download: Best practice for 2011 - December 2010

Retirement - when is enough, enough? - October 2010

Many of my recent consulting assignments continue to be focused succession planning -- especially regarding management of the transition to “retirement”. It’s a challenging area in these volatile times where asset values, income requirements and the reliability of passive incomes are not easy to forecast.

With the average age of farmers both sides of the Tasman nearer 60 than 50 many business owners are contemplating their options. Some are proactive about this and working with time on their side. Others are slower to realise the time for transition to “active retirement” is almost overdue. Those in their early 60s will have fewer good summers to gamble with. For them, there is a heightened sense of urgency to get into this next phase while their health and resources enable them to enjoy the fruits of their life's work.

Download: Retirement - when is enough, enough? - October 2010

International timeout to think again - August 2010

I have just returned from a most enjoyable break in Europe catching up with family and tuning into economic trends in the northern hemisphere. This time away from usual routines has resulted in new perspectives on immigration and labour markets, economic slowdowns, animal welfare and the international demand for farm land.

The diverse ethnic make-up of European societies never fails to impress. It is a living lesson about the impact of movements across borders in response to changing demands for labour and the search for economic opportunity. This trend is happening through most Western economies, is certainly impacting on New Zealand and no doubt Australia.

Download: International timeout to think again - August 2010

Succession Planning – a process not an event - June 2010

In recent months I have had a heavy involvement in succession planning in various forms for rural businesses. Some assignments have involved those in quite senior years dealing with final transfer of assets and management of their affairs as they move into full retirement. Others have included separation of long term family partnerships or developing strategies that will enable the next generation to enter the operation.

Regardless of the motivation, it is clear to me that a proactive approach to managing succession is a key determinant of success.

Download: Succession Planning – a process not an event - June 2010

Lessons from the recession - March 2010

A year on from its peak my clients are seeing “recession” in clearer perspective. It is now emerging as a constructive period of refocus rather than simply a recession. Perhaps it has even given us some valuable lessons or at least generated timely reminders of business principles that had been increasingly overlooked.

Prevailing over its pressures has required considerable resilience. Accurate budgets and credible strategic reviews, commitment to best practice on farm, action on debt reduction and clear communication with financiers and professionals have all played their part.

Download: Lessons from the recession - March 2010

New year’s resolutions - January 2010

The summer break is traditionally a time to reflect on the new year and what lies ahead -- especially from a personal point of view. Media and social comment about this topic suggests the wider population treat it as a relatively superficial process. That won't be good enough those who are serious about maintaining strategic focus and enthusiasm as they and their business mature.

Successful operations drive for the values and aspirations their owners. Keeping these as the primary focus is a vital source of energy throughout its life cycle.

Download: New year’s resolutions - January 2010

Hard Wired Leadership - September 2009

I have enjoyed recent weeks presenting workshops in the Australian dairy sector and working with my local clients helping them better understand leadership team dynamics. This is all about helping up skill dairy farmers for more effective people management -- as critical for their business success as it is for farmers this side of the Tasman.

Download: Hard Wired Leadership - September 2009

Bouncing Back in the Downturn - July 2009

There is not shortage of challenge in the current economic environment - especially with dairy prospects looking modest and plenty of pressure on asset values, budgets and banking arrangements. The negativity around the Industry takes some resisting but, true to form, my top farming clients are demonstrating all the resilience and inventiveness required to profit in the face of adversity.

Download: Bouncing Back in the Downturn - July 2009

Re-focus not Re-cession - April 2009

2009 is certainly living up to its forecast as a year of change and challenge. Recession has featured in so many forecasts it has developed a life of its own. It takes a real effort to maintain optimism with that sentiment around. Declaring the “R” word a swear might help our collective confidence.

Download: Re-focus not Re-cession - April 2009

Motives - then action - January 2009

Continued negative trends for the global economy and their downstream effects on New Zealand and Australia’s economies and the dairy sector have highlighted the importance of farming businesses having a clear strategic vision combined with sound day to day planning, monitoring to ensure they maintain perspective. A strong link between personal objectives and business tactics driven by regular budgeting, analysis and strategic review is critical to performing in challenging times.

Download: Motives - then action - January 2009

Recession: Voluntary not compulsory - December 2008

The outlook for 2009 and beyond certainly looks challenging -- at least on this side of the Tasman. For some this is simply history repeating itself (albeit with turbochargers) as the gloom and doom merchants forecast a substantial decline in economic fortunes.

While it would be foolish to ignore their warnings, it is important to keep a balanced perspective and remember lessons from previous downturns so your business is ready to capture opportunity when the trend inevitably turns upwards.

Download: Recession: Voluntary not compulsory - December 2008

Strategy, Change and Succession - September 2008

The only thing that seems to be constant these days is change. Rumbling economies and shaky financial markets combined with the challenges of climate, political uncertainty and the pressures of a busy time on farm means it takes real effort to keep in touch.

In this environment however, it’s more important than ever to have an accurate read on business performance and clarity regarding direction.

Download: Strategy, Change and Succession - September 2008

Riches through Relationships - 2008

I have been involved in some interesting projects over the last couple of months. My work has continued its international flavour which has been complemented by the new dimensions of working at industry level.

On the home front I continue to work closely with a number of significant teams – including those in our own businesses. I have especially enjoyed collaboration with other professionals involved in high performance coaching whose knowledge of the primary sector and involvement in elite sports has helped me and my clients gain quality insights to leading edge relationship management.

Download: Riches through Relationships - 2008

Staff Review Time - June 2008

It’s been my privilege to spend time recently reviewing management and operational teams. This has highlighted more change and new challenges for employers and team leaders.

The first is the increasingly international makeup of my clients’ teams and the need for new ways to communicate, build team culture and deliver career opportunity. The second has been to ensure salaries are competitive through transparent review processes that give everyone confidence we are getting this right.

Download: Staff Review Time - June 2008

Fresh Thinking - August 2008

I have been involved in fresh thinking around relationships.

I have been involved in some interesting and challenging projects over the last couple of months. My work is becoming increasingly global -- both from an international perspective and participation in a number of projects at industry level.

Download: Fresh Thinking - August 2008

Making First Impressions Count - December 2007

Some say you only get one chance to make a first impression. I've learnt success is built on constantly making first impressions count for each phase of life and business. It's a day by day process that applies equally to business leaders as to those striving for career growth.

Download: Making First Impressions Count - December 2007

Time out of the Country - September 2007

Right now I’m immersed in a Spanish lifestyle – temporarily resident in bustling and beautiful Madrid at the end of a European “quick tour” undertaken for personal and professional goals. The last month has been a stimulating break from usual routines. More importantly it has fuelled learning and lateral thinking.

Download: Time out of the Country - September 2007

Catching the Bull - August 2007

Sharing the gains - sustainably

The bullish sentiments around dairy products for 2008 and beyond are welcome news for all. They come after a long period of modest returns. For many of my New Zealand clients it will be the first time they have been close to adequate returns for their investment. It's welcome reward for the risks taken and intuition exercised by those who have and committed themselves to this traditionally solid sector.

Download: Catching the Bull - August 2007

Make Time an Ally - April 2007

A reality of business management and leadership is the need to make the hard decisions. Whether it's responding to climatic events and farming policies, families grappling with succession planning or weighing up staffing options - there will always be issues with potential adverse impact on those we are close to.

Getting the decision right is a challenge in itself. Keeping relationships intact while managing change can be even more daunting!

Download: Make Time an Ally - April 2007

Market Intelligence May 2007

Recent signals about the prospects for Dairy are consistent with the sentiment I have picked up through local and international contact in recent months. It confirms a fundamental change to the dynamics of international food markets and offers some of the best news lower cost dairy producers have had for some years. Its impact on asset values and sustainability needs to be carefully assessed to avoid over reaction and opportunity lost. It signals a real opportunity for consolidation and perhaps an ideal time to look off farm for new investments.

Download: Market Intelligence May 2007

Where There’s a Will – There’s a Way - February 2007

I have recently been involved in a number of projects -- both personal and professional -- that got me thinking about the importance of a clear plan to manage succession and transfer of assets between generations.

This has highlighted the importance of understanding the principles of asset transfer and getting quality professional advice. Knowing your options and understanding how to get them to work for you and your family is fundamental to a smooth outcome in this delicate area. While the law and consequent choices are different either side of the Tasman, the ingredients for success are the same.

Download: Where There’s a Will – There’s a Way - February 2007

Choose Your Rut Carefully - December 2006

My recent observations of a seriously challenging drought in Australia, commitment from New Zealand clients who’ve recently expanded now determined to “tame the tiger” and restructure and expansion in our own business has highlighted to me the importance of being in the right business to prosper in tough times.

Download: Choose Your Rut Carefully - December 2006

Challenge of Leadership - August 2006

I have enjoyed addressing farmers at events both sides of the Tasman in the last month. The challenge of team leadership and lifting performance appears to be front of mind for many.

A common question has been how to get the highest standards from staff in a tight labour market – especially when there may considerable difficulty replacing people if addressing issues means they decide to move on.

Download: Challenge of Leadership - August 2006

Leasing the Next Option - May 2006

I’ve seen much evolution of ownership and management structures over my consulting career. The latest trend appears to be an increase in land leasing. This seems to be a logical response to changing business, demographic and trading environments. It’s driven by a desire by owners to delegate the physical management and trading risk of farming while maintaining exposure to the traditional capital growth and secure (but modest) returns from land ownership.

Download: Leasing the Next Option - May 2006

Getting the Best out of the Bank - May 2006

I’ve been involved in some substantial financing assignments recently. These have ranged from client expansions through to rescue missions. These have reminded me of three key ingredients for successful banking relationships - proactive communication, building confidence to maximise the bank’s support and leadership in the face of adversity.

Download: Getting the Best out of the Bank - May 2006

Keeping the Team on Board - February 2006

Prime time for staff selection and planning for next year is upon us – at least for New Zealand operations! There is still plenty of talk both sides of the Tasman about shortages of skilled staff and the challenges of getting the right people doing the right things.

A quick review of my clients suggests the better people managers are in fact finding it easier to attract and retain staff. For some time they’ve been putting strategies in place to position themselves as “employers of choice” and working hard to build an environment that makes it attractive for staff to stay and graduate through the career possibilities on offer.

Download: Keeping the Team on Board - February 2006

Published Articles

Sharing the gains - sustainably