How Involved is Your Partner/Spouse in Marketing Decisions

[charliep]

I posted because some of where I have seen the most successful farmer marketing is where one partner took on the role of marketing the crop/livestock. The partner who grew the crop often had a difficult time in marketing it - ownership and ego. The other partner quite often could do a better job of separating marketing as activity of converting crop inventory into cash in a timely, efficient and profitable manner that meant both the business and family objectives.

Not saying right or wrong. Just highlighting the potential in a family team. My mother was the Chief Financial Officer in the farm family business I grew up in.

[sumdumguy]

Kato, from all of your posts, I got they impression that you are a hands-on devoted capital "F" farmer who has not lost the zest for the adventure. I am sure there is much give and take and lively banter at your table. Keep chugging and keep posting. All perspectives are appreciated.

[fjlip]

charliep, I agree, I have a much harder time to market than the wife. Think it's the ownership thing. Full bins feel better than empty ones. It's a mind game/fault. We are both Libras and indecisive, doesn't help.

[Hopperbin]

I dont particularly under stand that charlie. In order to market properly one needs a very good understanding of price history. Yield history. Changing climate. So much more. I would think a spouse needs to be involved entirely in the farm inorder to help market. This is a huge subject. So I get where partners gets his or her name from.Not easy to work together in business with any spouse in my opinion. Then again I am divorced so. Maybe if she had a nursing job and Ifarmed and marketted we would still be together. ??????

[Hopperbin]

Charlie I dont know you personally. Your only slightly older than me. I take it your mother was completely involved in the farm business And never worked off farm. Raised the kids. Cooked. Kept the house and yard. Drove combine and still had a meal ready. Which is a full time job Plus. Most partnerships today involve the spouse working another career from what I see.

[charliep]

I guess it is about allocation of responsibilies in a business and that is very personal family matter. It also varies with careers and other things that are unique to that family.

I have worked with farm wives who have taken on the responsibility and in some authority to make the marketing decisions for business. They quiet often (not always) have a different view of the business.

You are right in that my Mom was 1950/1960's vintage. Her role was keeping the books/managing the finances of the farm. Not physically able to handle the machinery of the day nor did she have the interest. Machinery without cabs/basic power stuff and intermitent airc onditioning added to the challenges for a small woman. She did have a tight on the finances and where the money as her part of the partnership.

I note that partners/relavant people in the business are not only spouses. They could be kids that are involved in the farm. Could even be an employee who has a special interest in marketing.

[Hopperbin]

Our. Older generation I respect the elements they dealt with and know it see it.

[kato]

I worked full time off farm for ten years, and part time for more than I can count. One day I was at work and got a call from a cattle buyer who had a time sensitive good offer and couldn't get ahold of my husband. I thought my co-worker was going to freak out as he watched me make a hundred thousand plus dollar deal right there and then. The cattle were loaded the next morning.

The point is that we had previously discussed selling these feeders up down and every which way for days, so I knew what he would consider a good deal. He was very very happy that I did it too.

Working off farm doesn't interfere with sitting at the supper table and talking things out. If one spouse just isn't interested, then so be it. An off farm job would contribute too, just in a different way. It's whatever works for you.

But two heads are better than one when it comes to marketing.

[Hopperbin]

And kato it is fun and enjoyable to do it right. But you need experience which you have.

[kato]

Given time and willingness, experience will come to anyone who is looking for it. And also to those not looking! Lol

[sumdumguy]

Good or bad experience!

[kato]

But you learn from both.