Denmark: an interim report and some reminders, particularly as a farmer starts operations

Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Contributed by: Alan Rhodes

We arrived in Copenhagen on Monday morning, October 22, 2007. We were able to visit Underwood clients south of town.

It's intriguing to observe the Dutch family support their son's start-up in eastern New Mexico. Our group joined the parents as they encouraged the younger generation. We stressed the importance of being a good neighbor, both in the literal sense and in terms of facilitating the best possible relationship with vendors.

As we work in the dairy industry we see that many dairy farmers face difficulties because an earlier farmer missed payments to key vendors. In some cases a predecessor farmer created problems for others by making a payment that was 30, 60 or 90 days past due. We note that farmers must deal with an angry neighbor for some time after negotiating for the last nickel, per ton, on forage prices. As you get started, we're reminded of the importance of honoring commitments and negotiating transactions that are good for all parties.


Kars Fielmich (Wagenvoort Advisors), Alan Rhodes, and Buzz David (Amarillo Economic Development Corporation)

On Tuesday night Bart Wagenvoort, Buzz David and I met with Danish lawyers and a wind farm developer. As we've driven from Copenhagen to the west coast to Alborg and now to Ebeltoft, Buzz and I are impressed by these clean and well-kept farms. We're reminded that the good-neighbor rule includes keeping a clean place. As we visit Danish farms, we note that there's no trash; never a hint of a dead or stray animal. Keeping a clean place builds community and relationships.

At the Tuesday night dinner Tage Kragbak, one of our new friends and a legal colleague, wore a necktie featuring a few dozen American flags. Throughout the evening's discussion of Iraq and the possibilities associated with the 2008 U.S. presidential election, Tage used the terms "we" and "us". As United States citizens we were affirmed; we were in the company of an ally.

For a new farmer, keep in mind the importance of "we" and "us". Value community. Show up for events. Support community groups with time and money. Work to make your community a better place.

As to the report from Denmark, we've had good meetings with individual farmers. As it turns out, our group meetings will begin tonight, in Agerskov. We're expecting more than a dozen farmers at Wednesday's and Thursday's meetings. We believe the registered attendance confirms our belief about the possible market.

As to the advice for new farmers, be a good neighbor. Always pay your bills. When possible, pay early or at least on time. Don't over-reach in negotiations, even when it's possible. Keep a clean place. Build and enhance community through active involvement.

That's all for this report. Thanks for taking the time.

All the best.


Alan Rhodes, Buzz David, and Kregg Rhodes

This column is published for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author's law firm or its individual partners.