Investing in resilience before you need it

For many farmers, things are finally looking a little brighter. Commodity prices have lifted, interest rates have eased, and for some, the Fonterra divestment will bring a welcome cash boost. After several challenging years, it’s a relief to feel the pressure ease — even just a little.

And when that pressure lifts, it’s only natural to take a breather. We catch up on the jobs we’ve put aside, tidy up around the place, and maybe even treat ourselves. That’s human nature.

But the recent storms that swept across the country were a sharp reminder of how quickly things can change. One moment, everything feels under control, and the next, we’re dealing with flooded paddocks, power outages, and fallen trees.

I’ve heard a few stories since then — some light-hearted, others not so much — about new boats sitting in sheds while the generator still hasn’t been sorted. As the old saying goes, it’s easier to fix the roof when the sun is shining.

Every farm carries risk, though the shape of that risk looks different for each of us. For one farmer, it might be weather; for another, interest rates, staffing, compliance, or succession. No two farms are the same, but we all share a common responsibility: setting ourselves up so the tough years don’t hit as hard — and the good ones can be fully used.

Resilience isn’t just about surviving the next storm. It’s about building businesses that can thrive through change; businesses that are competitive, adaptable, and ready for the future. Markets will shift. Technology will evolve. Expectations from processors, banks, and consumers will continue to rise. Standing still simply isn’t an option.

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On-farm, resilience doesn’t always require big, headline investments. Often it’s the quiet, practical choices that make the greatest difference: securing a reliable generator, improving water storage, keeping extra supplement on hand, or paying down debt while the numbers line up. These decisions don’t make the front page, but they build a foundation of strength that pays off when pressure returns.

Sometimes resilience is simply about creating enough of a buffer that decisions can be made with clarity rather than panic. Breathing room — financial, operational, or mental — allows us to respond with purpose instead of reacting in haste.

And resilience isn’t just about infrastructure or finances. People are at the heart of it. Well-trained staff, clear systems, and opportunities for growth empower teams to perform under pressure and see a future in farming. Many of us are also thinking ahead to the next generation; how and when to hand over the reins. Planning early makes that transition smoother and gives everyone confidence in the road ahead.

None of us have the perfect plan, and that’s okay. What matters is starting the conversation. Often, the best ideas come from collaboration — a chat with a consultant, banker, vet, or neighbour can spark new thinking or highlight opportunities we hadn’t seen. Resilience grows stronger when it’s shared.

By taking these steps early, we’re not only securing our own farms — we’re strengthening the backbone of New Zealand’s rural economy. When more of us are prepared for volatility, whether it’s in weather or markets, the entire supply chain becomes more stable, efficient, and trusted.

Over time, this creates a sector that’s known globally for its reliability, adaptability, and foresight. It positions us to meet new regulations, respond to changing consumer demands, and stay productive and profitable. We can’t predict the future — but we can shape it, one farm, one family, and one decision at a time.

So, while the sun is shining, ask yourself, what small steps today will make life easier tomorrow?

Because every thoughtful investment – in infrastructure, in people, in planning – builds a stronger future for all of us. Preparing together doesn’t just strengthen our own operations; it strengthens our communities, our industry, and the generations who will one day take our place on the land.

Richard McIntyre is a Horowhenua farmer, former Federated Farmers dairy chair and is a director of DairyNZ.