Business Management - Articles - Page 30

Economic Update: January 2024 Class I base price weakens

‘Average-of’ formula continues to impact price

December 20, 2023

Dave Natzke

Here’s an update on economic factors impacting your dairy profitability as we approach Christmas of 2023.

The transformative power of employee development in addressing protocol drift on dairy farms

December 19, 2023

Laura Tavera Montañez

Effective protocols and employee training go beyond creating ease in routine tasks; they are a safeguard against costly turnover that disrupts productivity and animal care.

Look for 2024 DMC program enrollment details early next year

As we saw in recent years, using beginning of the year milk and feed price forecasts to determine DMC participation can be risky.

December 13, 2023

Dave Natzke

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff are working on a DMC program rule amendment, anticipating an announcement of enrollment provisions early in calendar year 2024.

Tips for in-laws: How to be seen and heard at your farm’s decision-making table

A framework including observations, feelings, needs and requests can help all members of the family and farm team communicate.

December 13, 2023

Elaine Froese

There are many overlapping systems in play on a family farm. Your family circle is your nuclear family which relates to your parents or in-laws, and your siblings, who may also be business partners or farm heirs.

Reduced milk per cow, cow numbers lower USDA 2023-24 milk production estimates

The milk production forecast for 2023 was lowered from last month due to slower expected growth in milk per cow.

December 11, 2023

Audrey Schmitz

From this week's USDA World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) and Crop Production reports, Progressive Dairy summarizes factors potentially impacting dairy producer income.

How to start awkward conversations

Begin the transition planning conversation by keeping it light. Ask to have an initial conversation about transition planning at some point in the future, and encourage others to speak up about their vision for a successful transition.

December 8, 2023

Tim Schaefer

Successful transition planning begins with a first and formal transition conversation, and how the first conversation goes often sets the stage for the entire process. Get off on a good foot, and the entire process is smoother.

The new metrics for high-functioning farms

Environmental, social and governance (ESG); labor concerns and risk management are common topics on dairy producers’ minds lately. Learn how each of these areas can assist in your farm management decisions.

December 7, 2023

Brad Guse and Janine Sekulic

We meet regularly with our dairy clients and prospects, and compared to what we heard not long ago, the conversation has changed regarding what high-functioning farms are focused on today.