At times of low commodities prices, cost control is, of course, a really important area and should be seen as a cultural way to approach farming, rather than reacting to low prices by trying to slash costs.
Professional advisers play an important role in modern farm businesses, helping to reduce risk, improve decisions, and identify opportunities. But fees for accountants, consultants, solicitors, vets, agronomists and other specialists can also become a significant overhead if they are not reviewed regularly.
With margins and cashflow under pressure, now is a good time to ask whether each professional relationship is still delivering the right support for the business as it operates today.