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...
Blog
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, 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, this is a top-notch farm with really great people. Many good things are happening on this farm, so it's not like there are many major problems. But they do have a bunch of little ones that no one was talking about. Yet, there is one missing ingredient. Communication. We have...
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, Leadership
Communication Tools to tame the whirlwind
Holding onto outdated communication tools might be holding you back. Originally published at farmfutures.com on 8/20/2021 Communication is often the missing ingredient as farms try to grow. Okay. Maybe communication isn't completely missing. But in the recipe for success, the ingredient called "communication" is needed in a larger quantity and quality. 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 a top item that everyone believes needs addressing. Most farms are at a size when everything from long-term strategies to daily...
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...
Level
Managers
Growing crops and livestock is one thing. Growing your operation is another. Even the most successful farmers find it challenging to manage a complex operation. That's because farming and ranching require one set of skills while managing a successful business takes a completely different set. In the past, farms were easily separated by how well they managed production. Maximizing production separated the great farms from the mediocre. But the last couple of decades brought everything from the widespread use of artificial insemination, seed trait stacking, and GPS-controlled equipment. We are awash in the same data that helps drive decisions to...