Just like any investment, the earlier you start the more it has time to grow and develop. Originally published at dairyherd.com on 10/14/2021 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 had everything covered. He didn't question his succession plan; he was fortunate to have two sons come back to the dairy. Everyone worked well together, and it was just assumed it would easily be passed on. Unfortunately, John passed away unexpectedly before his anticipated...
Business Growth Strategy, Succession Planning, Uncategorized
The conversations families must have if they want to keep the farm together
When it comes to Transition Planning, communication is the foundation. Originally published at Progressive Dairy on 9/20/2021 Despite a farm's success and strong family ties, a family can become fragmented and less unified over time. 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, it was smooth sailing. Together the family made plans to expand the dairy operation. Then, in a blink of an eye, things went south. No...
Business Growth Strategy, Uncategorized
Work-Life Balance is More than a Buzzword
A good work-life balance helps everyone thrive in their personal lives and on the farm. Originally published at dairyherd.com 9/3/21. 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 less time for other important aspects of life such as family, friends, hobbies, and self-care. When employees have a good balance between work and life, they feel a greater sense of control and ownership over their own lives. They tend to have better relationships with...
Business Growth Strategy, Succession Planning
When to Let Go of an Employee
Knowing when to let go is crucial to maintaining a solid team Originally published at https://www.dairyherd.com/news/labor/when-let-go-employee on 7/21/2021 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, argued with the management, and had the gall to continuously ask for more money. Blake reached out because of his frustration. "Employees are hard to find, yet this one is driving me nuts." He was apprehensive that if he let him go, he would not...
Business Growth Strategy
Leadership training is the missing ingredient
Is the next generation ready to RUN and LEAD the farm? Originally published 7/20/21 at https://www.progressivedairy.com/topics/management/keep-in-check-leadership-training-is-the-missing-ingredient 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, and he assumed his children would be ready. After all, they had worked on the dairy since they were kids. Health issues caused Donald to step back from being in charge. He was ok with that. He felt good that all was in place and...
Business Growth Strategy
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. Finding the right people to join your team is pertinent to your success. Where are they? No one is knocking on the door. You put ads out and receive zero responses. As thriving business owners, what can you do to hire the right people in a labor market where competition...
Business Growth Strategy
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 exhausted. Phil commented he is constantly running from one task to the next, making it hard to work ON his business. Does Phil need to be everywhere and oversee everything? No. His time, like yours, is valuable. But he's been holding onto tasks that aren't necessarily the best use of...
Succession Planning
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. The fact is the odds are against any family farm successfully transitioning to the next generation. So, successfully transitioning a family farm is something to be proud of! Every farm is different, and every family is unique. Every family farm has a unique history, culture, family dynamic, and business. Every...
Business Growth Strategy
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. That was then and Pablo has now been at the dairy for more than a year. He is still in the same position, following the same protocols. He is stuck and feels like he is just a number. In chatting with Pablo, it became evident he was unhappy with his...
Business Growth Strategy, Dairy Signal - PDPW
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 on March 31st. You can listen to it here. How to have a 'Stay Interview' Begin by thanking the employee for their hard work and dedication to your business. Make certain they understand that you recognize and appreciate their loyalty to your company Communicate that you are willing to make...