Determining the roles people will play in the process is the first step. Written for Milk Business Quarterly and originally published 4/30/24 on dairyherd.com So, you've had the family meeting regarding transition planning and agree that you need to start the process. Now what? Every situation is unique. We've done...
Category: Succession Planning
Keep the Peace: Farm business vs. farm life
As farms become larger, many families conclude that perks must be limited and keep business more separate from personal life. Written for Farm Futures and published in the February 2024 issue. Most families get along great and, on most days, enjoy working together. This can lead the family to believe...
For Better Feedback, Keep Quiet
Let Silence Do the Heavy Lifting Written for Farm Futures and originally published in the January 2024 issue. The harvest went well, and the work got done, but the owner could tell it was more stressful for everyone since they picked up more acres. There were too many balls in...
How to start awkward conversations
Begin the transition planning conversation by keeping it tight. Ask to have an initial conversation about transition planning at some point in the future and encourage others to speak up about their vision for success. Written for Progressive Dairy and originally published January 1, 2024 issue. Transition planning for a...
Two Habits of Successful Business Families
The natural way of a family business is a decline over time. So, successful family businesses must take actions to counteract the decline. Written for Farm Futures Dec 2023. You have heard the adage. "The first generation builds it, the second generation maintains it, and the third generation loses it." ...
Why do People Resist Change – Part 2
Three types of Resistance to Change I don't like it. I don't understand it. I don't trust you. Written for MILK magazine and originally published Aug. 2023 The entire dairy industry is going through massive restructuring and change. These changes are forcing dairies to scale up to remain competitive, working...
Good Conflict is Necessary – Really, it is.
Good Conflict unearths all possible scenarios and the best solutions Written for Progressive Dairy and originally published June 2023. High-functioning family businesses need good conflict just as much as they need the right protocols for production. "I don't see it that way at all! I don't think you are seeing...
Why do People Resist Change?
Have you ever wondered why some topics, people, or plans resist change? Written for MILK magazine and originally published May 2023. The dairy conference "season" is drawing to a close, and you undoubtedly have many good ideas you would like to implement on your dairy. After my presentations, I'm often...
How to build a stronger business-first farm family
Keeping and building family connections across generations is the single most effective way to reduce conflict. Written for Farm Futures and originally published 2/23/23 The ties that bind us together can get frayed over time. How connections are strengthened makes all the difference. Surviving and thriving in any business is...
Strategic Planning isn’t just for Fortune 500 companies
Your farm will regenerate and reinvent itself to thrive in a changing world. Building commitment and alignment between the family and the business is key to a lasting legacy. Written for MILK and originally published in the Nov/Dec 2022 issue. Farms, and dairy farms, in particular, require constant reinvestment. But...