Kerry Ryan - Australian Dairy Farmer

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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

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

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

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