I just returned from driving across eastern Washington and Oregon states. The area is largely agricultural, and it was the time of the wheat harvest. The grain is harvested and stored in large granaries, elevators or storage silos. However, this year with a bounty harvest, the storage facilities are overflowing, and wheat is being piled up in the field or near the granaries.
It made me reflect on a BAM business in the agricultural sector of Romania. A silo bag business is an innovative system that helps to reduce both quantitative and qualitative losses. The silo bags come in response to the fears of farmers who desperately need a large storage space for cereal grains, fodder, corn silage, sunflower, canola, and much more. All of this can be stored in a sack-type horizontal silo and can be preserved for up to two years.
The advantages are numerous for all cereal farmers in Romania. Storage costs are reduced; it is resistant to spoilage in any season, it preserves the quality and color of cereal grains, it ensures anaerobic preservation and thermal protection, freight costs are reduced, harvest times are greatly accelerated, grains can be stored on the farm with no waste, and farmers only buy what they need.
However, agriculture-related industries can be high risk due to weather and political variables. Both 2024 and 2025 were short crop years for maize and soybeans, so businesses need to retain working capital for slow years like this. Narcis depends on God, and the wise counsel of his IBEC coach, Dave Kier.
Coach Dave first and foremost counsels Narcis to be a student of God’s work and pray for wisdom. Dave prays regularly for Romania Grain Bags and for Narcis and his family. They know that the business belongs to God, and they see this business as an act of worship, and they want God to be honored and known among the unreached.
Sometimes, stress in business is a means to help us grow as business leaders and even lead us to other options. Dave encourages patience because Romania is growing in its crop production, due to increased demand. He also suggests innovative thought processes such as a recycling business, which is already proven to operate at breakeven.
What about diversifying into something else as a source of revenue, not dependent on the seasonal nature of agriculture? They are looking for a niche service needed before or after harvest; or perhaps they could become an agent for another company whose products are not so cyclical and less capital-intensive.
Other alternative ideas to explore include the thought of hiring part-time helpers, expanding to other areas in Romania, and exploring complementary needs in the supply chain which need to be met. All of this suggests a serious in-depth study of the entire industry looking for an unmet opportunity.
Business as Mission is full of challenges and disappointments, just as all of life is. Nevertheless, with God and good coaches, many things can be overcome and even be used to strengthen us as business leaders and lead to innovative change and growth.
Note former blog: https://ibecventures.com/blog/grain-bags-romania-a-business-as-mission-company/
Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures
Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com