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.