Farm Decision Guide
Use this tool for one important farm decision. Define the problem, compare realistic alternatives, check whether the preferred option is actually feasible, and turn the decision into one concrete action with a deadline and review indicator.
Before you start
This is not a general farm-management score. Use it when you have a specific decision that matters enough to compare alternatives before acting.
One real farm problem and 2-3 realistic options.
A transparent weighted comparison using practical M8 decision criteria.
A ranked choice, feasibility check, next action, KPI and review date.
1. Define the decision
Describe the real issue before thinking about solutions.
Write the underlying issue, not only the symptom. Example: "The farm is too dependent on purchased feed and is exposed to price increases."
Example: reduce purchased feed costs without increasing labour beyond what the farm can manage.
2. Compare three practical options
Enter two or three realistic alternatives. Score each criterion from 1 = poor to 5 = very good.
Each option is rated from 1 to 5 for every criterion. A higher score always represents a more favourable result for the farm.
- 1 = Very poor
- 2 = Poor
- 3 = Moderate / Acceptable
- 4 = Good
- 5 = Very good
The meaning of the scale is adapted to each criterion. For example, a score of 5 for Affordability means that the option is very easy for the farm to afford, while a score of 1 means that it would create significant financial pressure. The same principle applies to all criteria: the closer the score is to 5, the more favourable the option is for the farmer.
Expected contribution to income or cost reduction.
Ability to finance the option without excessive pressure.
How exposed the farm would be if the option underperforms.
Fit with available labour and time.
Ability to change course if the option does not work.
Alignment with the farm's longer-term direction.
| Option | Financial benefit |
Afford- ability |
Safety / low risk |
Manageable workload |
Reversi- bility |
Fit with goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The selected criterion receives double weight. All other criteria keep equal weight.
Each score is multiplied by its weight. The result is normalised to 100. The highest score is a decision guide, not an automatic command. Press Next to see the ranking.
3. Comparison result
The ranking shows which option performs best against the criteria you entered. Review the strengths and trade-offs before deciding which option to take forward.
The highest-ranked option is selected automatically, but you can choose another option. The matrix supports your judgement; it does not replace it.
4. Feasibility
A good option is only useful if the farm has the resources and conditions to carry it out.
Can the farm fund the investment, inputs or operating costs required?
Can the work be carried out without creating an unrealistic labour bottleneck?
Do you have the know-how, adviser support or equipment required?
Can the option be implemented at the right time, before the problem becomes urgent?
Example: financing must be agreed first / seasonal labour is not yet secured
5. Turn the decision into action
Define the first concrete action and how you will know whether the decision is working.