How tall is your poppy?

This article is bought to you by Mecardo. 

By Mark Ferguson - neXtgen Agri Ltd.

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I’ve had the privilege to spend the last few days with some innovative sheep producers from South-Eastern Australia. Largely clients of Darren Gordon of Livestock Logic. We went to a hand-picked line up of sheep and beef farms and had the opportunity to explore each business. Of course, as always, all of these business owners were humble. They weren’t saying how great they were, they were open and honest with what they had achieved and any mistakes they had made. Reflecting back on these few days, I think one of the things that stands out, is a real desire to do great things and a keenness to celebrate success. This was evident in both the property owners and the touring producers. Other things that were notable were the average age, I’m guessing but I think lower than 40, and a better than average gender balance. But back to the story.

In short, tall-poppy syndrome was not present and not welcome. In my view, tall poppy syndrome is a serious problem in agricultural circles, on both sides of the ditch. People don’t want to talk about what they do well for fear of appearing ‘full of themselves’. I think, at times, this limits our desire to strive to be better or do more. It limits our desire to take calculated risks and do things a bit differently to the district norm. It is time for our industry to be proud of those that do things better than us. Give these people a pat on the back and be willing to celebrate their success. We are all very proud when our footy team wins a premiership. We need to be just as proud when our neighbour breaks the property record for the number of lambs, calves weaned or bales produced. In most cases, their success will not be luck or a fluke, it will be the result of a dedication to the little things that add up to have a major impact. Treat these people like heroes, find out what the do differently to you, and if it fits in to your production system, give it a go.

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A positive attitude is infectious and enables people to achieve at a level much greater than they thought was possible. Next time you hear of a good result somewhere, stop that person in the street and give them a high five or ring them up to congratulate them and ask a couple of questions about the pillars of their success. We can change our ecosystem for the better. And the person in the mirror is the best place to start.

Tall poppy syndrome has burdened our past but has no place in our future.