What sets successful dairies apart from the rest of the industry? According to agricultural economist Bruce Dehm, president of Dehm Associates LLC, there are four key indicators of success: efficient milk production, low or profitable cost per hundredweight, effective management, and financial stability/sufficient cash flow and equity.

Yes, employees do need training, accountability and incentives to stay on track. However, I generally find the core of most employee problems to be a lack of clear, intentional leadership.

Moving from one herd management software to another is a significant step. Your herd management software is the most important, yet least recognized, part of your business.

If talk about farm culture leaves you feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and pick just one aspect of your culture to improve. Start with one small thing you can control, whether it be clarity, organization or belonging.

What causes the highest number of human injuries on dairies? Most of us think of machinery or confined spaces, but cattle actually hold the No. 1 position. Now, if I asked what causes the second-highest number of injuries, what would be your response?

Unmet expectations for performance and behavior are likely the greatest stressor for most, if not all, supervisors. A failure to meet animal or crop goals, arriving late for work and skipping an assigned task are all examples of unmet expectations.

Visual training in this era is very important, and it is an easy way to explain protocols, ideas and content to your workers about a specific topic.

How often have you seen a highly skilled manager fail in leading their team? Some signs are high turnover, lax standards and low morale. How often have you seen employees or owners in charge of managing people struggle to connect with employees and keeping everyone aligned with the goals?