As the year comes to an end and our team gets around the regions to get the lay of the land for the next season, there were some pretty guarded conversations and a very common theme among growers and packers no matter what their crop.
It struck me that the elephant in the room was the unknown. Non-committal sentiments, uncertainty, and an absolute absence of cockiness. The common denominator? The elements beyond their control, overwhelmingly, the weather. Will it hail, will it rain, will it flood?
Living constantly in a holding pattern is extremely tiresome. The uncertainty of not knowing where we are headed or what outcomes await challenges our ability to plan.
What bad thing will happen today, or tomorrow or will everything still be okay next week? Positive thinking is all very well but very few seem to have the genuine belief any longer that, that is enough.
As we approach the end of this challenging year, my message to you is simple: you've got to land safely at some point. Not every year will mirror the turbulence of this one. Amidst the uncertainty, value the good minutes, hours, or days—whatever you can catch.
Dedicate time to the people who matter most. Land!
Enjoy each day. Take care, and here’s to a hopeful and prosperous 2024.
Best wishes and happy holidays, Jo.