I’ve worked with dairies across the country, and one truth keeps surfacing: Motivated teams have healthier cows, solve more problems and stick around longer. Let's look at the 5 C’s of motivation: control, certainty, connection, clout and consistency – with examples straight from the barn.

If there’s a phrase that rings true in the ears of any business owner or manager, it’s that “a business is only as good as its people.” And in a world where automation is rapidly transforming many industries, the cattle business remains one of the few that still relies heavily on people.

Your dairy’s culture can be the engine that drives success — or leads to its failure. So what is “culture”? Culture is a shared set of values, goals, attitudes and practices that characterize a business. A strong and healthy team culture can create a sense of unity and shared purpose among employees. It ensures that your employees feel valued and motivated, and it also helps them feel connected to the greater good.

In any industry, the value of exceptional employees cannot be underestimated. These kinds of employees will bring positive change, exemplify integrity and exceed expectations in their responsibilities. Many dairy workers in our industry are great examples. To honor and show our appreciation to these outstanding individuals, we need to establish awards as part of our organizations and the industry.

The topic of animal welfare is broad, complex and multifaceted, encompassing scientific, ethical, economic, cultural, social, religious and political dimensions. Michelle Calvo-Lorenzo, Ph.D., with Elanco Animal Health, addressed this ever-evolving topic at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference held in February in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Recall how you felt or how you would feel if you hired an employee who left after a day, three days or a week. Unfortunately, this is common today. In fact, research shows that approximately half of all new employees seriously consider quitting in the first week.

Sometimes, we look at neighboring farms that seem to have a “secret sauce” to their success. But just like great barbecue, there are no shortcuts and no single secret sauce recipe. Success on these top-tier farms is a series of repeatable elements that work together.