The root issue this family had was that they focused on growing a successful business but didn’t focus on what it would take to grow a successful family. There wasn’t a mutual understanding about work-life balance between business partners.

Studies have also determined that some 50% of feedyard workers are Latino. Combining the inherent risks of a feedyard with a language barrier that significantly hampers communication can set the stage for serious incidents and injuries.

The secret to this dairy’s success lies in their communication with one another.

Narcissism is the mental disorder of “you.” People with this disorder are arrogant, self-centered, manipulative and demanding. They are convinced they deserve special treatment. They have difficulty tolerating criticism or defeat. Sometimes, it’s not fun to be around them.

As mom to a young successor and wife to a very ambitious, determined, successful seed grower who is wired to get tasks done, I’m seeing firsthand how it can be an interesting journey to graciously let go of control and mentor the next manager of your farm business.

Emotional intelligence has become a significant topic for development and mentoring as well as a key criterion for management and leadership positions.

Transitioning the farm to the next generation is a natural process. Yet, it can be challenging to have conversations about what happens next – especially if the current owners and the next generation aren't on the same page.

Unmet expectations for performance and behavior are likely the greatest stressor for most, if not all, supervisors. A failure to meet animal or crop goals, arriving late for work and skipping an assigned task are all examples of unmet expectations.

Held at the historic French Lick Resort on Feb. 7-8, the 2023 Indiana Dairy Forum was highlighted by three keynote speakers, a variety of breakout sessions, the Indiana Dairy Producers (IDP) business meeting, award presentations, and time for networking throughout the two-day meeting.

Establishing a “culture of integrity and honesty” might be something you hear in a human resource meeting, not a parlor. But for Eagle Ridge Dairy, it’s a core concept in the barn and key to maintaining a somatic cell count of 80,000.