The Rural Voice, 1987-09, Page 48et
y CARE
• Upholstery
• Drapery
• Rug Cleaning
Serving Huron County
Doug Gavin
519-524-2440
hisex
DAY OLD CHICKS
and
STARTED PULLETS
from
FISHER POULTRY
FARM INC.
AYTON ONT. NOG 1C0
519-665-7711
ANY WAY YOU LOOK AT IT
Hagedorn Snowblowers perform well
and are easy to drive
and they're built tough to last
for years and years
NEW MODELS — Farm models to 9 feet, singles,
doubles, 540 or 1000. New, easy to drive direct discharge
model.
COMPACT MODELS — 48" & 54" estate
models. New commercial models for heavy duty work.
AND MORE * Bale Thrower Racks * Dump Wagons &
Trailers * Flat Racks * Zero Grazers * Round Bale Forks
• Feeders * Cattle Handling Equipment * Gates * Scales
• Woodsplitters * Blades
See us at the Plowing Match
N.E. Hagedorn
& Sons Limited
Paisley, Ontario
519-353-5642
Committed to bringing you Value in Fine Equipment
46 THE RURAL VOICE
ADVICE
FARM ADVISORS:
PROS AND CONS
by A. D. (Tony) Morris
Morris Financial Management
Mildmay, Ontario
The economic problems that have
befallen many of our country's farmers
— and farmers around the world—have
brought with them an influx of farm
management and financial consultants.
Many farmers in their attempt to main-
tain the family farm are looking to these
men and women as their possible salva-
tion. But are farmers really getting their
value for their money, or just someone
who preys upon their dreams?
Farming as an industry, and individ-
ual farm families, can benefit greatly
from the experience and help offered by
many farm advisors, whether they be
financial or production experts, govern-
ment employees or owners of a private
business. Unfortunately, however,
there are some "advisors" looking for
the "fast buck" and notoriety.
What, as an analogy, do we require
in a new piece of equipment? Operating
statistics, reliability, proven perform-
ance, economy, dependabilty. With this
in mind, let's look at the farm consultant.
Operating statistics: What are his
qualifications in the field he is promot-
ing? Does he have a background in farm
management or financial consulting and
the necessary academic qualifications
to support his work?
Reliability: When preparing a fi-
nancial analysis, does he use historical
information and make realistic projec-
tions. Too often I have seen numbers
based on rules of thumb or on what "Joe
down the road got this past year" rather
than on what the individual has actually
achieved or is capable of achieving. Is
the consultant participating in programs
to keep him abreast of financial trends?
Proven performance: Does he have
references. Is he prepared to support his
work with proof of his qualifications?
Economy: If you are planning to use
a farm consultant, ask what his fees are,
whether for the job or by the hour. What
are you getting for your dollar? Does the
consultant prepare afull financial analy-
sis and help formulate written proposals
(coned)