Four steps to mediate and solve emotional disputes in your family business Originally published at Farm Futures on 3.10.2022. A couple of weeks ago, Liz and I gave a presentation hosted by PDPWs Dairy Signal. It was a live-streamed conversation with farmers, and the topic was How to Get Your...
Category: Succession Planning
Succession Planning, Uncategorized
How to get the work done AND Keep Peace in the Family
Clarifying Who does What can make a big difference Originally published at https://www.dairyherd.com/news/labor/clarify-roles-dont-step-toes on 3/7/2022. One way or another, the work always gets done. We know that. But how the work gets done and who is in charge of the work is a much more complicated question. I recently gave...
Succession Planning, Uncategorized
What do transition planning and CRP burns have in common?
Successful transition planning takes a plan Originally published at Progressive Dairy on 11/25/2021. If you don't want a raging grass fire, you have to plan. To get a controlled fire that burns the CRP grassland without making the local newspaper, takes planning and preparation. I learned the hard way that...
Succession Planning
Investing in the next generation
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...
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...
Business Growth Strategy, Succession Planning, Uncategorized
Communication, the missing ingredient in Transition Planning
When it comes to Transition Planning, communication is the foundation. Originally published at FarmFutures.com on 10/13/2021 The transition plan had all but stopped, and unspoken issues were piling up. Both the employees and the next generation were frustrated. Everyone involved was frustrated, including the advisors and spouses. To be fair,...
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...
Business Growth Strategy, Farmer Network, Succession Planning
Communication, the missing ingredient for success
Okay. Maybe communication isn't completely missing. But in the recipe for success, the ingredient called "COMMUNICATION" is needed in a larger quantity. For several years we have been surveying owners and employees on various topics as part of the Executive Farmer Network peer group events. Communication is always listed as...
Business Growth Strategy, Farmer Network, Succession Planning
Who’s In Charge? – Part2 The Accountability Blueprint
It doesn't have to be confusing. Build Accountability Blueprints to manage your farm's transition. We can send you a SAMPLE ACCOUNTABILITY CHART Click Here Unlike other businesses, farmers rarely hand over the keys to the next generation and walk away. Most of the time, the process is gradual for...
Business Growth Strategy, Farmer Network, Succession Planning
Who’s in charge? – Part 1 Stepping on Toes
Working together, yet apart, helps keeps the peace. It was a fairly standard discussion around a pretty simple question. "Who is in charge of doing the books?" There was an awkward pause as both Mom and daughter look at each other but said nothing. After further discussion, it turns out...