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...
Insights
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. ...
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...
Professionals
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...