"The benefits of Edge Management to our business are multiple. The peer review the board offers has brought a greater level of accountability to our decision making. The professional instruction from our facilitators has improved my ability to understand the true financial position of our business, and the injection of innovative ideas from other Edge members have all combined to improve our bottom line."

"We see the money spent on Edge as an investment in our future in agriculture."

Rob and Jenny Houghton, Leeton NSW
 

"We farm 2700ha on three properties in the Forbes district. We joined Edge Management in February 2007 to help direct the future of the family business. 

In this short time, numerous beneficial outcomes have been attained from our exposure to Edge. Some of these have included a stringent enterprise evaluation and subsequent adjustment of the enterprise mix to address profitability and lifestyle goals. Other positive changes that Edge has helped foster in our business have been providing exposure to and assistance with succession planning, and constructive help with creating personal, lifestyle and business goals as well as the methods and support of how to meet these goals. 

With the help of Edge, our farming operations have been able to post some of our best financial results, despite a raging drought. It excites us what we’ll be able to do with our business & lifestyles given a good string of seasons and the continued backing of Edge Management. The quality and commitment of both Edge members and facilitators is an essential component to the success of the EDGE Management process, as is the commitment of the member important to their businesses’ success."

Jonathan Drady, Forbes NSW

Since joining the Edge team in 2007, I have been privileged to see the development of the members of Edge Management.  Our quarterly meetings are a robust and invaluable forum for all members. As a peer review of business strategy, the meetings are often confronting, with members being pushed out of their comfort zone and held accountable for their decisions and the performance of all areas of their business.  Feelings of frustration and uncertainty are commonplace in the current difficult times, but the Edge process works through the uncertainty and frustration to deliver outcomes which are creative and compelling in assisting our members to reach their business and personal goals.  The support provided by each board to its members goes beyond strategic planning and business analysis.  We often see frayed tempers and occasionally a few tears, but we are steadfast in our support of each other and manage to have a lot of fun along the way.  Whether considering plans for expansion, or loss minimisation strategies, members have the security of knowing their decisions have been reviewed by a group of people who understand their business well, and are able to be dispassionate when making the tough calls many of us find difficult to make on our own.
 
Edge Management also provides significant educational opportunities to its members. Half yearly presentations are organised to cover issues decided by our members.  Over the past few years we have seen workshops run to examine topics such as: financial analysis, commodity marketing opportunities and the effects of Emissions Trading Scheme on primary producers.  Each of these has provided invaluable information to the members of Edge.
 
I would not hesitate to recommend Edge Management to any progressive business looking to move forward.  Life on the land is always a challenge, but with the support of Edge Management, reaching your goals can be made that much easier.
 
Tony Hudson
Director of Farm Business Management
Marcus Oldham College