Level 1 · Part 4
Risks and records
Expect problems, plan a response, and keep simple notes.
Agriculture has risks that many other businesses do not. You cannot remove them all, but you can see them coming and prepare.
| Kind of risk | Example | A first response |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Drought, flood, pests, disease | Spread plantings over time, use good practice, ask local advisers |
| Market | Prices fall, buyer disappears, buyer pays late | Have more than one buyer and agree terms clearly |
| Loss after harvest | Spoilage, damage, theft | Plan transport, storage and timing before you harvest |
| Money | Not enough cash to pay for the next season | Keep a small reserve and track when money comes in and goes out |
| People | A worker leaves, a partner disagrees | Agree roles and expectations early, preferably in writing |
Insurance and support
Some places offer crop insurance, farmer groups or advisory services. What exists, and on what terms, differs by country and region. Ask local farmer organisations and the agriculture office in your area, and check the terms yourself.
Keep simple records
A notebook is enough to start. Write down what you spent, what you sold, what you lost and what happened with the weather, buyers and prices. After a season, your own records teach you more than any guess.
Exercise 1.4 · Risks and my responses
- List the three biggest risks to your product or idea.
- For each risk, write one thing you could do to reduce it or to cope if it happens.
- Start a simple record: choose one notebook and write the first entry today.