Continuous learning and adopting innovative practices and technologies are crucial for farmers and ranchers to stay ahead. Among the numerous resources available, one invaluable tool stands out for progressive and business-minded ag producers – peer advisory groups.
The Power of Peer Advisory Groups: A Valuable Resource for Agricultural Producers
Unlike larger corporate entities, most agricultural businesses, particularly family-owned ones, often see their managers making crucial decisions alone. The lack of challenging and diverse ideas usually leads to miss business opportunities or failing to implement beneficial changes. Here’s where peer advisory groups act as a reciprocal advisory board that helps farm businesses generate knowledge and improve management strategies that can impact their operation.
A peer advisory group is formed by ranchers and farmers willing to share their experiences and make the most of each member’s talents to solve problems and make business decisions. They constantly exchange information, knowledge, ideas, experiences, and opinions. Each group comprises 8-12 producers who periodically meet on each member’s operation. This group size helps maintain the intimacy and trust necessary to obtain the best results from each group member.
There are several peer group systems with methodologies for agricultural producers to achieve their goals. Argentina’s CREA groups are among the oldest and most experienced peer group associations (Regional Consortiums of Agricultural Experimentation). This association has more than 2,000 members and 60 years of using and perfecting the peer group methodology. CREA members have continuously improved their productivity and are at the forefront of new technologies and management practices. Thanks to the business management mindset generated within these groups, its members are among the top 20% of their country.
Local Peer Advisory Group Experience
Several peer group systems have different methodologies for agricultural producers to achieve their goals. One example is the peer advisory group developed through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and funding from Southern Risk Management Education. This group focuses on the production risks associated with new production systems while addressing the economic, financial, and organizational aspects of running a successful business.
To learn more of our local group and how it works, I strongly recommend you read Kay Ledbetter’s article in AgriLife Today: Walking in Another’s Rotational Grazing Pastures. Texas A&M AgriLife initiates peer group learning for regenerative ranch management. Thank you, Kay, for such a great article!