Why should even the strongest businesses question long-held habits and trusted relationships? And can asking "is there a better way?" be a first step towards long-term success? AF Head of Procurement – Agricultural Services, Kristian Dunham, examines the importance of asking these questions.
“Many of the most successful farms, estates and rural businesses are built on generations of knowledge, trusted relationships and proven ways of working. Over time, processes become established, partnerships mature, and things become "the way we do it."
“There’s real value in that. Long-term relationships build trust, consistency, and a deep understanding of each other’s business.
“But sometimes it's worth asking a simple question: are we doing this because it's still the best way, or because it's the way we’ve always done it? It’s not an easy question to ask, particularly when things are working well.
“At AF, we've undertaken one of the biggest reviews of a long-standing supplier relationship in more than twenty years. While the details are specific to our business, the lessons are relevant to any farm or rural business.”
“Good partners earn trust over time, and those relationships shouldn't be discarded simply to chase the latest offer or save a few pounds. The risk isn't long-term relationships themselves, but when we stop reviewing them.
“Taking the time to review how things are done doesn’t automatically mean making a change. Often it confirms you're already on the right path. Sometimes, it shows there’s a better option.”
“Anyone who’s introduced new machinery, changed feed suppliers, or switched accountants, knows that change rarely feels easy.
“Behind every significant business decision is extensive planning, testing and preparation. Changing one area inevitably impacts another.
“People need time to adapt. New systems must be learned, established routines are disrupted, and colleagues have concerns about the effect on them and the service they provide.
“I consider myself naturally wired to challenge suppliers and look for better ways of doing things. But I'll admit there were times during our own review when I questioned whether changing a supplier we’d successfully worked with for years was worth the upheaval and risk. You're moving away from something that’s become part of the fabric of the business.
“It’s tempting to leave well alone. But standing still isn’t always the safest option. Sometimes, the greater risk is failing to adapt while the world around you changes.
“Not every change will go smoothly. There will always be lessons to learn. The important thing is having the confidence to challenge yourself in the first place.”
“Making a change doesn't automatically mean that what came before was wrong. Long-standing partners often help businesses grow, and that contribution deserves recognition.
“But businesses move on, priorities change. Different partners may be better placed to help with the next stage of the journey. When they come to an end, professional relationships can, and should, end with mutual respect.”
“Farming and rural life have always required resilience and adaptation. The businesses that continue to thrive aren't necessarily those that change the most, but the ones willing to keep asking whether today's decisions are still right for tomorrow.
“That's certainly how we see things at AF. Whether we're reviewing our own operations or helping Members achieve better value, we believe it’s worth challenging accepted ways of working.
“Sometimes the answer will be to keep things exactly as they are. Sometimes it won’t. But it’s always right to ask the question.
“After all, the biggest risk isn't necessarily making the wrong change but not being brave enough to make one at all.”
Dunham, K. 2026. Farmers shouldn't always hang on to old habits. East Anglian Daily Times. 1st August.
