Just like any investment, the earlier you start the more it has time to grow and develop. You invest in your business; you invest in your retirement, and you invest in your connections with loved ones. Have you considered investing in the future leadership of your farm? John thought he...
The conversations families must have if they want to keep the farm together
When it comes to Transition Planning, communication is the foundation. This was the case with my friend Bob. He was so delighted when both his son and daughter decided to come back to the family farm. In addition, their spouses also chose to join the operation. For the first year,...
Work-Life Balance is More than a Buzzword
A good work-life balance helps everyone thrive in their personal lives and on the farm. Work-life balance is the buzzword as of late, and for a good reason. It can be a struggle to make all employees happy. But your employees struggle too. Farming can be long hours, which means...
When to Let Go of an Employee
Knowing when to let go is crucial to maintaining a solid team Blake, a large dairy producer from the Midwest, was fit to be tied. Unfortunately, for the last four months, Dennis has not been the stellar employee he used to be. He was often late, never finished the job,...
Leadership training is the missing ingredient
Is the next generation ready to RUN and LEAD the farm? Donald's story - Donald had a plan. He worked with his attorney to draft an iron-clad estate plan for his dairy. He was happy to provide his children with a thriving business. He felt confident all was in place,...
Be Active in your search for Employees
Finding employees is a challenge Despite the high unemployment levels, locating employees is a struggle. Finding qualified employees willing to work in agriculture, with longer hours and some weekends required, can be even more difficult. On top of that, wage requirements are inching higher and higher. The struggle is real. ...
How to know what to let go
Phil's dairy has been growing fast over the last ten years. He started with 200 cows and is currently milking 3,200 cows. Obviously, he is good at growth, good at adding on. He has added more barns, more cows, more bunkers, and more acres. So today, he feels successful but...
A “How To” book for Transition Planning?
No. But there are certain things to keep in mind. Many farms inquire if there is an easy how-to book or checklist that will guarantee a successful family farm transition? No. Well, how about an easy way you can sit down in an afternoon and complete your transition plan? No....
Training Tips for the Long Haul
Published 3/1/21 at dairyherd.com - Training Tips for the Long Haul | Dairy Herd On-going emplyee training is essential to success...both theirs and yours Pablo enjoyed his first day at ABC Dairy. He felt welcomed and wanted. Although he had little experience, the training offered the first week was top-notch....
Conducting Stay Interviews – #TheDairySignal
Want to engage and retain your employees? Consider conducting "stay interviews." This process allows you to consult with your current employees to identify the reasons they want to continue working for YOU. Stay interviews increase employee engagement, development, and empowerment. We covered this topic on the PDPW Dairy Signal show...