Note: This is the fourth article in a five-part series for Progressive Dairyman about dairy culture. Conducting a meaningful culture assessment takes time, focus and a sincere commitment to learn and grow – by dairy producers and dairy employees.

The dairy industry continues to see massive changes in areas of financing, financial management, employee retention, compliance and expectations in operating efficiencies.

Most readers have likely seen some variation of the urgent vs. important matrix chart accompanying this article. It continues to intrigue me, however, how many dairy producers are never quite able to effectively discipline themselves to allocate any (or virtually no) time toward the long-term planning function of management.

Editor’s note: The following article is the second in a series of articles from the author after a recent trip to observe China’s dairy industry. Click here to read the first article China's dairy industry: Bumps and bruises on the fast track.

A cousin of mine who’s a retired veterinarian, Fred, recently asked me, “How in the world can dairymen keep track of and manage financial, production and human resources management all at one time?” It seemed daunting to him.

The year 2016 marked the 100th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Though the show covers and celebrates all aspects of Pennsylvania agriculture, dairy had a spotlight throughout the eight-day show.

A common leadership philosophy in business is to get better before you get bigger. The same philosophy rings true for dairy farmers.

There is a lot of volatility in the marketplace right now, according to Chuck Nicholson, who spoke on the cyclical nature of the dairy marketplace at the 2015 Dairy Financial and Risk Management Conference, hosted by the Center for Dairy Excellence.

The hearing to consider a Federal Milk Marketing Order for California ended on Nov. 18, 2015, after 40 days of various witnesses presenting testimony and exhibits and being cross-examined. Now it is up to the secretary of agriculture, based on the hearing record, to issue a decision recommending or not recommending a California federal order.

A healthy owning family with strong values may be the greatest resource a business can have. —Aronoff, C., & Ward, J. (2011). Family meetings: How to build a stronger family and a stronger business. New York, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.