This article provides an overview on safety practices that can prevent electrical accidents, both inside and outside the barn. We will also discuss specific steps to take if you or a piece of your equipment comes in contact with a live electrical wire. 

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.

When looking at your balance sheet, one of the big questions to ask is: How hard is your debt working for you? That is, are you making money on what you have borrowed from others? We often look to the numerator first to see what is happening there. Revenue is a great place to start, but we also need to look at the debt schedule. 

Despite the numerous sources of anxiety that can affect those in agriculture, farmers tend to be reluctant to ask for help. While there is still sometimes an unfortunate stigma around addressing mental health issues, farmers are also conditioned to be independent.

Jackie Sanford, Heather Lifsey and Becky Heim found that balancing these roles with their responsibilities on the farm and careers required creativity, resilience and a willingness to lean on others. Their journeys reveal not only the struggles of caregiving but also the profound strength it takes to navigate this path.

A well-conceived and coordinated plan is essential for a successful expansion that achieves the dairy family's objectives. Here are key areas to address and implement.