How to stay on top Saying No so you can say Yes It's been said that staying on top is harder than getting on top. As a result, many farms at the top don't feel like they are on top. It's still a struggle. But the struggles change as they grow. Farmers have told me it's hard to keep an edge on top and not let success lull them into complacency. It's easy to see that these professionalized farms are successful. The homes are often a little nicer than their neighbors. When there is a land auction, these farms can...
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Business Growth Strategy, Leadership, 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 a top item that everyone believes needs addressing. Most farms are at a size when everything from long-term strategies to daily activities need communicating. So, it's no surprise that communication is key for farms that want to grow or transition to a new generation We should be great at...
Business Growth Strategy, Leadership, 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 many reasons. In some respects, walking away would simplify the transition process, but most farmers and farm families don't want it, and I understand why. To many, farming is more than an occupation; it's a heritage. A gradual transition method is good, but the boundaries of work, money, and decision-making...
Business Growth Strategy, Leadership, 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 there was a conflict because It wasn't clear who was in charge of what inside the office. It wasn't clear outside the office either. When asked who was in charge of making the final agronomy decisions (during a private interview), the employee said that Jr. was, unless Dad came around....
Business Growth Strategy, Leadership
Delegating is a skill every leader should master
Have you ever delegated a task to an employee and then felt the need to step in and take over to ensure they did it correctly? Do you ever have the idea that you told someone to tackle a job, but you can't remember who? Are you so busy putting out fires that you can't focus on the larger goals of your business? There never seems to be enough time. Think about your day as an hourglass and your jobs as the sand. There is only so much sand that can pass through it in one day. In like manner,...
Business Growth Strategy
How to know what to let go
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...
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...