No need for name tags

Rural accounting isn’t a career known for its social calendar, but I’ve recently found myself at a few networking events. There were name tags, stainless steel urns of hot coffee and, of course, allocated mingling time.

I appreciate that for many, the thought of compulsory social interaction sounds like a waking nightmare. But anyone who knows me will tell you I’ll rarely turn down a coffee and a chat. For me, networking is a chance to connect with other rural professionals – bankers, farm advisors, accountants, lawyers – those who share a passion for agribusiness and, most importantly, for the people in it.

As farmers, you live and breathe your job – literally. There’s no clocking out at 5pm because you live where you work. Because of this, farming can at times start to feel like you’re in a bubble. Now, most of the time, that bubble is your happy place, right? You’ve chosen the rural lifestyle because it’s what you enjoy.

But sometimes, the pressure in that bubble starts to build. It can feel like you’re constantly navigating weather events, environmental factors, staffing troubles, financial pressures, succession decisions – you know this. Having the right people around you won’t eliminate those problems, but it does mean you don’t have to navigate them alone. That’s why it’s important to build a support system before you need it.

One difference between farming and other workplaces: there isn’t necessarily a colleague sitting a few metres away. There’s no automatic morning tea, no water cooler conversation, and no person at the next desk to bounce an idea off. Sometimes you need to be a little more deliberate about creating those conversations. So, what does networking look like for a farmer? Do you picture sitting in a windowless conference room? Or do you picture chatting with a neighbour over the fence, yarning with the stock agent at the yards, or talking with the sales associate at your local farm supply store? Because the latter is networking – it’s just a different flavour.

Start with the fellow farmers in your circle. They’re the ones who make you realise the struggles you’re having aren’t unique to you but are simply part of farming. They may have had the same experience as you, but even if they haven’t, they’ll have practical insights to share because they understand your situation.

Your support system will also include people like me (lucky!) – the rural professionals you’ve aligned yourself with. We see your business through a different lens from your boots-on-the-ground neighbour and can offer advice, challenge your thinking or provide an alternative perspective when you need it.

Arguably the most important people of all are your family and the friends you have chosen. These are the people who will support you from the inside. Maybe they can’t advise you on stocking rates or feed options – but they are invaluable because they know you, not just your business.

Networking is about making connections, yes. But more importantly, it’s connecting with people who have had shared experiences with you. It’s where you exchange ideas and hear someone else’s perspective.

I think if you take a step back, you’ll see you’ve already built your own network – they just aren’t wearing any name tags.

 Content in this article is general and does not constitute advice – please get in touch if you'd like to discuss your specific circumstances.

Erin Neale, Associate at Brown Glassford & Co Limited.