A continuity of business (C.O.B) plan is created to outline business functions in the event of a major disruption. It addresses issues such as loss of income, protecting employees and essential business activities. Businesses large and small should develop a plan and create a document that shares essential business operations in preparation, during and following a major disruption in business operations.
For farms this is especially important because of contributions to the food supply and the essential function of taking care of crops and animals. This publication outlines a very brief but practical guide to operating your farm during a disaster, disruption and otherwise uncertain time.
There are three major issues that a C.O.B would address. These are:
- Prevention Strategies - Risks to the farm, Actions to prevent before the disaster occurs
- Response Strategy - Detailed response for potential disasters for different parts of the business
- Recovery Strategy - After the event how to get the farm back on track
A Continuity of Business plan can be divided into sections. Much of this plan will include lists, contact information and steps before, during and following a major business disruption or disaster.
1) Identify the scope of the plan
This is a summary to the plan and the goals of the document. Examples could be from a production, employee, financial and/or technology perspective. All areas and activities of the farm should be considered from daily tasks to regular maintenance.
2) Risk and Prevention Strategies
What are ways that the farm mitigates risk? This could include biosecurity activities, security and fire protection, secondary suppliers and less dependency on a single point of contact, technology back up, communication, cross training of employees, splitting critical functions.
Consider farm compliance and regulatory requirements, essential employees, agility of employees and resources needed during a disruption. Consider employee and contractor policies. Employee safety considering such as farm vehicles, equipment and materials. Travel with government mandated travel restrictions, protocol for the safe evacuation or quarantine of employees who are traveling.
3) Response Strategy and Continuity Plan
This is the largest section and includes the process and plan for disasters. Consider breaking it down by roles, managers or farm enterprises.
A checklist that includes supplies and equipment, the location of data backups and backup sites, and contact information for emergency responders, key personnel and backup site providers.
An inventory of essential farm activities to ensure the safety and health of crops and animals. This could include necessary operations for the farm such as scouting, feeding, health and irrigation.
- General Farm ID - Fields and acres under control of farm (including rented property), USDA FSA maps, insurance policies, key markets/customers for farm products, next of kin or trusted person to be in charge,
- Crop-based COB based on enterprise - Planned crop rotation by field, nutrient management, IPM program (including pesticide records/license/storage, weed control ), key workers for seasonal work (harvest), equipment location for both owned and leased equipment, plan for leased or custom help to the farm (harvesters, etc)
- Animal based COB based on enterprise – grazing rotations, barn layouts and functions, animal inventory and age, major services for each enterprise (e.g. health, hoof trimming, vaccinations), breeding records location and plans, location of materials, health records location and veterinary relationship record (including vet contacts), feeding and nutrition records, feeding plan by age group and life stage, processing and hygiene programs and supplies, biosecurity plan / visitor plans for farm, key workers including part time who work on farm.
Include a list of internal and external stakeholders for conveying communication, could be by email, social media or phone calls. Be able to communicate with employees, customers, consumers and the media.
Review supplier service level agreements, contracts and other legal expectations.
4) Recovery strategy to get the business back to normal operations
What are some activities that may need to take place to get the business back on track following a disruption in business? This could include markets, employees and communications.
5) Share, Implement and Train, Test and Review
It will be important to communicate business decisions to partners, employees and other appropriate audiences. Consider training needed and responsibilities during a disruption
Test the business continuity plan this could be done through getting feedback from others or looking at the “what ifs” of the external environment.
Be sure to review the plan as the business, environment and world changes.
Download a pdf version of this resource with a sample template