Chore charts

Good labor management is key to the success of any farm operation. To ensure that managers and employees alike understand their duties and responsibilities, it is a good idea to develop a chore-assignment chart.

Spreadsheets can be developed that include the chore, the frequency of the chore, the personnel assigned to the job, time of day chore is to be performed, the responsibility level of the chore, the outcome of doing the chore correctly, and the consequences of doing it incorrectly.

Chores should include tasks such as record-keeping, feeding, preparation and sanitation of equipment, health checks, facility and equipment repairs, supply inventory and weight and growth checks.

For heifer-rearing operations, chores can be divided into four logical heifer-growing periods: birth to weaning, weaning to six months of age, six months of age to breeding and breeding age to pre-freshening.

It is the duty of management to make sure all employees are trained correctly and all standard operating procedures are followed.

For more Calf & Heifer Tips from DCHA, click here.