High-functioning family businesses need good conflict just as much as they need the right protocols for production.

In today’s industry, dairy producers are faced with a multitude of change. While these changes are difficult to navigate, understanding the process of change and how one can respond provides opportunity to flourish in the trenches of a transformation.

Transition talks can be dreadful and pit parties against each other in an effort to find a long-term plan for the farm, but with the right approach, these talks can have an entirely different successful outcome.

The root issue this family had was that they focused on growing a successful business but didn’t focus on what it would take to grow a successful family. There wasn’t a mutual understanding about work-life balance between business partners.

Narcissism is the mental disorder of “you.” People with this disorder are arrogant, self-centered, manipulative and demanding. They are convinced they deserve special treatment. They have difficulty tolerating criticism or defeat. Sometimes, it’s not fun to be around them.

Transitioning the farm to the next generation is a natural process. Yet, it can be challenging to have conversations about what happens next – especially if the current owners and the next generation aren't on the same page.

Succession planning is about owning your future and controlling your farm’s destiny. In a recent panel discussion at the “Own Your Future Forum” hosted by the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania (PDMP) and Center for Dairy Excellence, five panelists from all sectors of the industry had a candid conversation about taking control of the future.

People will argue that economies of scale is the determining factor for which farms will succeed and which will fail. Is this what you believe?