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...
Blog
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, Succession Planning
Perks and Pay can DeRail your Transition Plan
Too much of a good thing. Posted at farmprogress.com on 5/11/21 The farm owns the homes. The farms buys the owner's personal vehicles. The farm buys gas in the bulk tank and everyone fills up their personal vehicles. The farm owns the lake home. And the boat. At first it was just good tax planning. Fast forward a couple of decades and these perks have multiplied and more generations are involved. Instead of one corporate-owned house, there are three. Instead of a couple of business-owned personal vehicles, there is a whole fleet. Speaking of homes…one of the three sons wants...
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...
Business Growth Strategy
How to hire the best temp help
Back in March we visited with Ben Potter, of Farm Futures, about the best practices in hiring temporary help. Ben then captured the ideas in an article on Farm Futures website here. You can download and print it here. 2021 03 How to hire the best temp help-BenPotter . Or continue reading.... Strategies for securing good seasonal workers. by Ben Potter, Farm Futures Mar 10, 2021 Is good help really that hard to find? It can be - especially when you're in a pinch to tap quality workers for seasonal help. But there are some best practices to consider when...
Business Growth Strategy
Why you should manage each employee differently
Why you need different strokes for different folks. "Plug and play" is what we all want with employees. Just hire them, put them in a cab, and don't worry about them. They'll do an expert job. Plug them in and turn them loose. In reality, this management philosophy doesn't work. Plug and play is a mythical management style that doesn't exist. People aren't machines, and employees require management for you to be satisfied. Assuming you hire well, each employee needs a different management style. It may sound overwhelming but how you manage depends on the type of work and their...
Succession Planning
How to start the farm transition conversation
Starting a transition plan isn't easy. It's not only hard to know where to begin, but how do you even begin the conversation? The stakes are high, and many farms don't make a successful farm transition for many reasons. Procrastinating the initial transition conversation is one of them. The younger generation doesn't want to start the conversation because they may appear greedy or ungrateful. The older generation sometimes believes the younger generation needs to "step up" and start the conversation. Unspoken stalemates are often the result. A 4 Step Plan Don't wing it! All too often, this first conversation is...
Succession Planning
Values-The critical link in successful farm transition planning
John was ready to start his succession plan. He was 63 and wanted to get the process done quickly. He had a plan. During our first meeting, we discussed history, core values, and culture. John's response? What does this have to do with transferring the farm to my sons? Most family businesses do not successfully transition to the next generation. It is an unfortunate fact, and family farms are no exception. Why don't they make it all the way? There is often unmanaged conflict based on incompatible values and a fuzzy vision of where the farm is headed. As we...
Business Growth Strategy, Dairy Signal - PDPW, Succession Planning
Family Dynamics in Farm Management – Dairy Signal
Does working with family or transition planning seem too hard? You're not alone. Family dynamics can make it difficult, but harmony is possible with the right plan. Liz shares tips and answers questions on the PDPW Daily Signal. Listen and watch here. It aired March 2nd on PDPW's Dairy Signal Show. Ready to find out more? Give us a call