For most hay producers throughout the United States, 2007 ended up being a good year. Hay prices were well above five-year averages, and weather permitting, 2008 is looking to remain the same for most growers.

When we talk about economic resources, three types of resources usually come to mind: land, labor and capital. But a fourth resource – time – may be more important than all the others.

Selecting an employee is among the most important decisions a manager makes. Getting the right person in the right position is crucial for business success. But how can you do that?

Communication, although essential, is not always easy. Individual differences in personality, communication styles and skills and expectations all play a part in how well your family communicates.

The farm stress test is designed to provide insight into sources of farm financial stress and the extent of stress. It highlights a few key financial measures and provides a visual interpretation of the numbers.

According to some estimates, less than 5 percent of the population has clearly defined goals. Yet, setting financial goals is the first step to developing an effective spending plan.

All hay that is made or produced should have a value placed on it, because no matter what livestock enterprise it is earmarked for there were significant inputs that went into producing the hay.

No longer can employers hire workers and expect to get motivated individuals. Learning how to motivate is now one of the most relevant and essential skills leaders can possess in today’s ever-changing workplace.

•Farmers are often exposed to toxic gases. Manure storage and silo gases are often found on farms as the result of manure decomposition or crop storage. These gases can result in asphyxiation, irreversible lung damage and lingering respiratory problems.

Once I visited the farm of a close friend of mine whom I’ll call John (not his real name). Since John wasn’t at his computer (the usual spot I could find him on a Saturday morning) I went around to the back porch and found him slouched over, holding his head in both hands, gazing at the ground.