It seems that every time the market moves from high prices to low prices, there is some sort of discussion that follows regarding how we can fix the market and return back to better prices. Consequently, low prices create such talk that are the very force that ultimately cause supply reductions either through more aggressive culling practices or exit of market participants. The shortened milk supply leads to the manufacturing of fewer products.

Many dairymen are considering selling their dairy farms due to huge losses in equity that have taken place in the last 18 months. Once the dairyman has made the decision to sell his dairy farm, the producer should immediately start planning the farm sale. Timing is the key to maximizing profits in the sale of the real estate, equipment and cattle. Meet with your lender Your lender is your business partner. After a producer has made the decision to exit the industry, he needs to immediately contact his lender; the producer will then discuss his proposed exit strategy.

We all understand the value of maximizing our time and resources, and that includes the people in our lives. Friends and family members are quick to lend a helping hand and make our lives easier, but do you ever ask your veterinarian for more help? Your veterinarian certainly doesn’t have all the answers, but their experience, knowledge and network of contacts are resources that can positively impact your operation and employees.

Many farm people have never stopped and actually analyzed why animals behave as they do and, more importantly, what this behavior may mean to their own personal safety. Often animal handling practices are developed from watching others as we grow up on the farm. All too often this results in the perpetuation of poor practices.

With the financial crunch being experienced in the dairy industry, many farms are analyzing every aspect of their business to see where money can be saved. The cost of labor and its impact on the overall cost of production, means a dairy manager needs to measure, evaluate and monitor labor efficiency.

Ask yourself the following question: • Why do the United Way and essentially all other fundraising efforts set a specific fundraising target rather than raising as much as possible? The answer is that the goal-setting research and everyday experience clearly shows that working toward a goal increases motivation and performance and greatly enhances the probability of success.

Conflict is a daily reality for everyone. Some conflicts are relatively minor and easy to handle. However, others of greater magnitude require a strategy for successful resolution or else they will create constant tension and lasting enmity in the business. Knowing how to manage and resolve these conflicts is important for the overall success of your business. Conflict is not necessarily bad. Properly managed, moderate doses of conflict can be beneficial. Conflict is the root of change and allows people to learn and grow. It stimulates curiosity and imagination, and relieves monotony and boredom. After conflict, closer unity may be established.

Good relations among members of a business are critical for success. Good communication skills are an important element for the development of good relationships. Poor communications starve a relationship while good communications nourish it. This is true regardless of whether you are a member of a committee looking at starting a business or a member of a team operating a business. So, improving communication skills is important for success. But this doesn’t just happen. Both the receiver and the sender must work at developing verbal and listening skills.