When times are tough, and everyone is under stress all the imperfections bubble to the surface. The imperfections were there all along but aren’t visible until our backs are against the wall. This is especially true of transition planning. My latest Farm Futures article covers some of the problem areas...
Insights
Business Growth Strategy
Do Your Employees Feel Safe Coming to Work?
Dairy farmers are essential, and we knew this before any health crisis arrived. Even with COVID-19, many farms are carrying on with daily work, and not much has changed. As owners and managers of the dairies, you each make certain the cattle are cared for, fed and milked on a...
Business Growth Strategy
Still Oppurtunities in 2020
Executive Farmer Network Tactics and Takeaways Even with a poor farm economy many farms are doing more than just OK. There is a big spread between farm profitability even if on the outside they look the same. The most profitable farms are taking advantage of the current farm weakness to strengthen their...
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Managing Through a Crisis
Anyone can lead through periods of calm. When we have great milk prices, healthy calves, and perfect weather, leading is easy. But sometimes things go completely off course with a crisis and that is where your leadership is tested. Click on the link below to read the full article. https://www.milkbusiness.com/article/how-to-lead-through-crisis?
Business Growth Strategy
How to Select the Best Candidate for Managerial Roles
Who really fits the bill? Gallup has found "companies fail to choose the candidate with the right talent for the job 82% of the time." Download this checklist This astounding statistic is one business owners should avoid at all costs. Because it costs the business. A poor manager can drive...
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Manage Through Uncertainty
This spring has been chaotic. Although many factors are out of your control, there are certain things you can do to empoyer your team! As a leader, focusing on these key areas will start you in the right direction. Communicate Often Be Clear in Your Message Remain Positive Plan for...
Business Growth Strategy, Succession Planning
Why conflict can be a good thing
Conflict is often viewed as negative but not having the right kind of conflict, often leads to bad conflict later. In an earlier article, we discussed the importance of having trust amount your leadership and owner team. Your farm team may be open and honest with each other, trusting, but do...
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A farm business case study: Is your farm stuck because of low trust
Without high levels of trust, your family farm will lose traction and stall out. Click here to read the full article Tim Schaefer is a management coach for farms and agribusiness and a blog writer for Farm Futures.
Succession Planning
6 hard truths about succession planning
The happiest and most successful family farms plan succession well in advance. They realize the original plan can change. But a plan, even a plan in progress, is better than no plan at all. Click here to read the full article Tim Schaefer is a management coach for farms and...
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Do you know why people resist change?
Change is necessary to thrive and survive. If you want to regain traction, it is necessary to understand the causes behind resistance to change. Click here for the full article. Tim Schaefer is a regular contributor to Farm Futures writing on the topics of transition planning, leadership development, peer groups,...