Opening the congress, Murray Thompson, PSA chairperson and potato farmer, said successful farming is not about predicting the future, but about preparing for it.
“We have two lists as farmers that we focus on: the things we have no control over, and the things we do. Ironically, the factors that affect us most, such as the weather, markets, and input costs, are the ones we cannot change. What we can control are the technologies we adopt, the people we employ, the quality of seed we buy, and the practical decisions we make every day.”
Thompson said the farmers who appear to have “luck” on their side are often those who focus on the second list rather than the first, making better decisions instead of worrying about circumstances beyond their control.
“The most resilient crops are seldom the result of one or two good decisions, but of hundreds of micro decisions made consistently over time.”
He added that farmers should not be viewed as risk-takers, but rather as risk managers.
“We don’t spend our lives taking risks. We spend our lives preparing to manage risks when they arrive.”
The annual awards recognised those whose dedication and sound decision-making have made a lasting contribution to the industry, reinforcing Thompson’s message that long-term success is built through consistent effort.
