Latest News From Sara Schafer

How to Reduce Turnover and Boost Morale on the Farm
How to Reduce Turnover and Boost Morale on the Farm

Follow this strategy to reduce turnover and increase morale on your farm team.

Ideas Big and Small: Create a Culture of Creativity on Your Farm
Ideas Big and Small: Create a Culture of Creativity on Your Farm

We all know one of the most dangerous phrases in business is: We’ve always done it this way.

5 Business Principles That Define Success
5 Business Principles That Define Success

Rich Redmond has created a no-nonsense system to supercharge your personal and professional life, whether you are a farmer or the drummer for Jason Aldean.

How to Run An Innovation Sprint on Your Farm
How to Run An Innovation Sprint on Your Farm

Create a process to brainstorm, prioritize and implement ideas for your operation.

Safeguard Your Funds: What Farmers Can Learn from the Recent Bank Collapses
Safeguard Your Funds: What Farmers Can Learn from the Recent Bank Collapses

While the fall of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank is unique, the situation does provide lessons for farmer's financial management and risk management.

Will Spring Rains Undo Winter’s Sins?
Will Spring Rains Undo Winter’s Sins?

Winter is not the high precipitation time frame for many portions of farm country. One spring storm system can deliver the same amount of soil moisture as all the snowfall during the winter.

Slowing Rural Economy Creates Negative Outlook
Slowing Rural Economy Creates Negative Outlook

Economic growth is stalling in rural America. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University. 

Do I Need A Trust?
Do I Need A Trust?

Here’s what farmers should consider with this sometimes complex question.

How Many Farms Are in the U.S.?
How Many Farms Are in the U.S.?

Total land in farms decreased 1.9 million acres to 893,400,000 acres in 2022 versus 2021. Here is other noteworthy farmland data, courtesy of USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2022 Summary. 

8 Core Values Bridge the Dynamics of Family and Business
8 Core Values Bridge the Dynamics of Family and Business

Todd and Louise Malecha have one mission: Keep everyone on the same page. For their operation, that “same page” is a 587-page business plan. 

Rural Economy Slows, Farmland Values Stay Strong
Rural Economy Slows, Farmland Values Stay Strong

The rural economy seems to be set on cruise in neutral gear. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University. 

Do A Risk Assessment to Gauge Your Farm's Technical Debt
Do A Risk Assessment to Gauge Your Farm's Technical Debt

Could agriculture face a Southwest-type meltdown?

How to Make Tough Talks Easier
How to Make Tough Talks Easier

Little steps can ease frustration and improve communication on your farm.

4 Macro Factors Impacting the Agricultural Economy
4 Macro Factors Impacting the Agricultural Economy

What is the state of the U.S. economy? How will these macro factors impact the agricultural economy? John Deere's Kanlaya Barr provides a guide to a few risks you should monitor in the next year.

Set Micro Goals to Accomplish Big Dreams in 2023
Set Micro Goals to Accomplish Big Dreams in 2023

Instead of writing down these big audacious goals, Jon Acuff, an entrepreneur, speaker and best-selling author, has better advice: Set micro goals. 

Employee Perks and Policies that Pay on the Farm
Employee Perks and Policies that Pay on the Farm

The first step to winning the war for workers is to keep your star employees happy. Here’s how three farmers retain and attract employees.  

3 Consumer Trends Farmers Can’t Afford to Ignore
3 Consumer Trends Farmers Can’t Afford to Ignore

Consumer preferences can totter between fads and trends. For farmers to capitalize on consumer demands, they must be able to sort out which market opportunities to pursue, says Rob Dongoski with Ernst & Young.

4 Ag Policy Issues to Watch in 2023
4 Ag Policy Issues to Watch in 2023

Big moves in Washington in 2023 could impact your farm.

Promote Bs to As: Invest in Employees Who Have High Potential
Promote Bs to As: Invest in Employees Who Have High Potential

Managers tend to focus on two groups: the overachievers and the underachievers. As a result, he says, you neglect the employees who could become high performers — aka the B players. 

ROI of a Thank You: 5 Ways to Show Appreciation to Your Farm Team
ROI of a Thank You: 5 Ways to Show Appreciation to Your Farm Team

Your goal is to commit yourself to establishing a culture of thanks on your farm. Try out a few of these ideas during this season of Thanksgiving.

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The Power of Just 15 Minutes of Focus

The poet Ovid said, “Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.” This quote perfectly encompasses a key in business success: small habits done repeatedly truly do add up.

How to Create a Short-Term Operating Plan for Your Farm
How to Create a Short-Term Operating Plan for Your Farm

You wear many hats throughout the year. What happens if you or one of the key decision makers is away from the farm for a few weeks or months? Will everyone know exactly what to do when?

4 Highly Effective Financial Habits for Farmers
4 Highly Effective Financial Habits for Farmers

Profitable farmers create financial habits that separate them from others. These habits, consistently applied through the years, add up, and the results are evident.

Drought Levels Enter 2012 Territory
Drought Levels Enter 2012 Territory

As of Oct. 25, nearly 63% of the U.S. is experiencing drought conditions. That’s more than a 3% increase from just last week and the highest it's been since 2012.

Used Equipment
Buying Farm Equipment? Here’s How to Take Advantage of Tax Savings

If you’re planning to buy farm equipment before the end of the year, here’s a refresher on two tax tools you can use.

Nominate the Nation's Best Female Farmers
Nominate the Nation's Best Female Farmers

The 2023 Executive Women in Agriculture Trailblazer Award will be given to a female producer who is a shining example for her peers.

High Interest Rates and Inflation Dragging Down the Rural Economy
High Interest Rates and Inflation Dragging Down the Rural Economy

For a fifth straight month, the rural economy has posted signs of trouble. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.

Nominate Outstanding Farmers for Top Honors
Nominate Outstanding Farmers for Top Honors

During the 2023 Top Producer Summit, Top Producer will recognize remarkable farmers who have taken risks, built thriving businesses and given back to their communities.

Sample Agenda for a Farm Weekly Leadership Meeting 
Sample Agenda for a Farm Weekly Leadership Meeting 

Use weekly leadership meetings to set priorities and focus on goals.

Do You Pass the Farm Leadership Test?
Do You Pass the Farm Leadership Test?

As the leader of your farm, you have a great opportunity and responsibility. You set the pace, the tone and the direction of your business. 

6 Tips to Maximize Time on the Farm
6 Tips to Maximize Time on the Farm

“If you do not run your day, your day will run you,” says Mary Kelly, CEO of Productive Leaders and a 20-year veteran of the Navy.

2022 U.S. Cropland Values Hit Record $5,050 Per Acre, Up 14% from 2021
2022 U.S. Cropland Values Hit Record $5,050 Per Acre, Up 14% from 2021

For 2022, USDA reports the value of the nation’s cropland is $5,050. That’s up $630, or 14%, from 2021. This year’s figure marks back-to-back record highs in cropland values.

Here's How to Increase Employee Retention with An Incentive Pay System
Here's How to Increase Employee Retention with An Incentive Pay System

How can you reward team members for good work, increase employee retention and achieve your operation’s goals? Consider implementing an incentive pay system to reward your farm employees.

Who Gets What? Take This Important Estate Planning Step
Who Gets What? Take This Important Estate Planning Step

Succession planning is difficult and time-consuming, but it is also a key step for a business that can grow into the future. Regardless of where you are in the process, you can always take another step.

July Farm Country Forecast: Hot Like a Firecracker
July Farm Country Forecast: Hot Like a Firecracker

Unfortunately, the heat, humidity and dry conditions of early summer look to extend into the next few months. 

5 Time Management Tips to Get More Done on the Farm
5 Time Management Tips to Get More Done on the Farm

“If you do not run your day, your day will run you,” says Mary Kelly, CEO of Productive Leaders. “Having control of your time allows you to plan for the success you want.”

Roth IRAs for Farm Kids: The Power of Time and Interest
Roth IRAs for Farm Kids: The Power of Time and Interest

If your summer farm help involves your child or grandchild, you can combine that hard work with a financial life lesson.

From Cow Pasture to Baseball Birthplace – Travel the American Countryside
From Cow Pasture to Baseball Birthplace – Travel the American Countryside

The small village of Cooperstown is arguably the most important place to travel for fans of one sport. How did it become such a draw? It all goes back to one man’s cow pasture...

Hiring Employees? 7 Tips to Make Applicants Want to Work For Your Farm
Hiring Employees? 7 Tips to Make Applicants Want to Work For Your Farm

How to develop a “Code of Conduct” to guide your interactions with job applicants.

4 Trends Shaping the Rural Economy
4 Trends Shaping the Rural Economy

For 18 straight months, the rural economy has posted healthy and consistent growth, yet signs of weakness may be surfacing.

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Adapt or Crash: Choose Your Business Path

As the leader of a business, you have two choices. As trends and economics change, you can adapt and capitalize on the opportunities, or you can stay the course and watch your business decline. 

How to Calculate Your Personal Inflation Rate
How to Calculate Your Personal Inflation Rate

See how rising costs impact you and your family.

Does Your Farm’s Financial Reporting Pass the Grade?
Does Your Farm’s Financial Reporting Pass the Grade?

Think about how your farm has grown in size and scope over the past decade. Has your financial reporting followed suit? 

Corn Planting Progress the Slowest Since 2013
Corn Planting Progress the Slowest Since 2013

As of May 1, USDA estimates 14% of the U.S. corn crop has been planted. That compares to a five-year average of 33% planted.

Rural Mainstreet Index: Farmland Prices Grow at Rapid Pace
Rural Mainstreet Index: Farmland Prices Grow at Rapid Pace

For 17 straight months, the rural economy has posted healthy and consistent growth. That’s according to the March Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.

Are You Paying Your Kids for Farm Work? Consider a Roth IRA
Are You Paying Your Kids for Farm Work? Consider a Roth IRA

You are likely making plans for seasonal help. If that team includes children or grandchildren, you might want to consider setting up a custodial Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for them.

Lead vs. Do: Overcome the Challenges of Being A Working Manager
Lead vs. Do: Overcome the Challenges of Being A Working Manager

“Nearly every working manager is more competent and comfortable doing tasks,” says Bob Milligan with Dairy Strategies. “That makes it easy to avoid the people side. It is rational but not effective.”

Clear Communication
Leadership Tip: Focus on Relationships When Stress is High

There may never be a more important time to focus on the relationships with your employees.

Top Producer of the Year Winner: ‘Without Values Our Business is Like a Ship at Sea Without a Rudder’
Top Producer of the Year Winner: ‘Without Values Our Business is Like a Ship at Sea Without a Rudder’

Congratulations to Todd, Louise and the Malecha family for being named the 2022 Top Producer of the Year. Pay a virtual visit to their dairy farm in Villard, Minn., to learn how they stay focused on goals and values.

Avoid These 4 Family Business Sins
Avoid These 4 Family Business Sins

Here's how you can avoid committing these harmony-harming mistakes.