A professional consultant, without the same preconceptions or at least different ones, can help operators remove biases that limit profitability. No one likes to admit they have inherent biases, however most business managers have developed preferred methods of dealing with issues and challenges that arise. Someone from outside the farm business may be able to expand or change the viewpoint in a way that was not visualized by someone inside the business. Given this reasoning, it is probably important to hire consultants with no biases or at least different biases regarding the subject to be covered. Consultants may be able to eliminate conflict or at least reduce the appearance of conflict.
Management typically has some level of self-interest to protect or advance.
Examples include preservation of operational control, maintenance of compensation or fringe benefits and incorporation of family members into the business. Oftentimes too, even if the strategy or plan is well-founded, farm business managers find comfort in the knowledge that an idea is supported by an objective outside observer. Outside consultants often bring to the table new technologies, methodologies, processes and information not currently contained in the present set of management resources. Utilization of these newly-acquired resources can expand the skills and capabilities of business managers open to new ideas to increase profitability. Even if the farm business manager is fully knowledgeable of current production and business information, he may not be the most effective person in facilitating utilization of these new technologies.