Management
Keeping good employees is not always about pay. Trust, communication and everyday interactions play a bigger role in whether employees stay engaged and committed to their work.
Tom and Terryn Drieling discuss how leadership sets workplace tone and impacts culture, profitability, efficiency, safety and retention.
While 69% of farmers expect to transfer their operation to the next generation of family members, too many are misplacing their time and efforts, according to The Williams Group. The company offers 5 recommendations that can help farmers and other business owners course correct.
By focusing on evaluation, planning and economic considerations, producers can ensure their herd remains competitive and efficient.
Are you being honest with yourself? It’s time to set appropriate expectations and write them down on paper.
Will corporations, LLCs, and LPs be required to report Beneficial Ownership Information soon? Here’s the latest developments.
With 30 tax provisions set to expire at the end of 2025, four experts explain how and when you could be affected.
Here are the most common types of culture in a business and the red flags to look for in yours.
Leading financial experts underscore the importance of farmers understanding the do’s and don’ts of a Line of Credit that will help producers during the downside of the rollercoaster markets they have gotten to know.
The new numbers show that net farm income will fall $6.5 billion or 4.4%. This is compared to projections released in February suggesting it would fall 26%.
In an industry where external factors like Mother Nature, milk markets, and regulations dominate, farmers have found solace in the few controllable elements of their operations. James Vander Waal, an Iowa dairy producer in Hull, is a prime example of how technology can be leveraged to enhance efficiency in dairy farming.
Agriculture can sometimes act as a buffer during broader economic recessions, as demand for essential food items tends to remain relatively stable. However, when multiple indicators align in the industry, it can signal a recession.
Matt Gunderson, vice president of Farmers National Company, says having these advisers will give your plan the sturdiest foundation.
Money management is demonstrated from one generation to the next. Open and ongoing communication about the farm’s financial blueprint can help the younger generation to develop a better understanding.
Communication between one generation to another can seem like talking a different language. “I suggest you approach looking at another generation with curiosity rather than judgment,” says Kim Lear of Inlay Insights.
“If handled improperly, transition events can be the death of your business. Or it can strengthen your business and clearly outline who you are and where you want to go,” says Dick Wittman.
How are you showing up on the farm? Do your actions meet up with your goals? Rena Striegel, a farm succession planning consultant, encourages the next generation of on-farm leaders to do some self-reflection.
We asked previous awardees of the Top Producer Next Gen Award to reflect on lessons they’ve experienced in business and management.
Kyle Scheele shares six ways constraints can be a good thing to your operation.
“The single most important tool to predict peak performance is a very well-developed job description,” Dave Mitchell says.
“When I arrived at the dairy that day and assessed the situation, three main objectives were clear: Increase cash flow, reduce expenses, rebuild relationships.”
From the Pipeline: Q&A with AMPI’s President and CEO, Sheryl Meshke
Brett Barlass works hard to set a positive culture on his Hilmar, Calif. dairy. The long-term manager finds unique and fun ways to engage with his employees, making meetings more fun and effective.
Hank Wagner, a farmer and a certified leadership training coach, encourages us to lift everyone up around us by telling them not only what they want to hear, but also what they need to hear or just be a good listener.
After a couple of years of shortages spurred by the pandemic, ear tags from Merck Animal Health are in full production and back up to pre-COVID production levels.
There are three areas producers need to focus on to earn the title of “good farm manager,” according to Purdue University researchers.
More than 50% of farmers intend to grow their operation, based on responses in Purdue’s February 2023 Ag Economy Barometer. If you’re thinking about scaling your farm, it’s important to first ask these questions.