Farmer Focus: Focusing on things we can control for 2024
Jack Bosworth © Tim Scrivener Where on earth has this year gone? Now we’re in December, I thought it would be good to reflect on 2023 and what 2024 may have to offer.
Early in the year, I wrote about mental health and my experiences.
After several months of speaking to my mental health personal trainer, I feel in a much stronger position and am now looking to use a coach to help guide, support and challenge me further.
See also: Lack of supply pushes pig prices to new record highs
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March was by far the best month of the year for me – it brought the birth of our first child, Freddie.
He is growing so quickly and just starting to crawl around. He has a new party trick – pulling himself up and standing in his cot. I’m excited to watch him continue to grow and develop into his own character.
Pig prices have been better for us this year – and they really did need to be.
They need to continue at these levels to allow us to invest in the resources that go into the job we do, including our team, who deserve great credit for their contributions throughout the year.
We will have a meal out together before Christmas.
We have recruited two more people, and will be kicking off 2024 staffed at a good level. I’m looking forward to wiping some of the jobs off the to-do list that have overstayed their welcome.
The plans for the business next year are, first and foremost, to get everyone settled in, and ensure the whole team are aligned with our pig and arable expectations and ambitions.
After all, pieces of the farm business puzzle are in our control, so they should be the focus. Market price is something we need to be mindful of but can’t influence, in the main.
I say “in the main” because we are continuing to try and add further value to what we do by taking more control of our pork, from farm to fork.
We have submitted a planning application for a butchery here, and continue to navigate other avenues that may help give us the footings we need to lay this new resilience building block for our family farming business.
I wish everyone a very happy Christmas, and best wishes for 2024.