Selling versus marketing
First, let’s make a distinction between selling and marketing. These two terms are frequently used interchangeably, but the processes are quite different. Selling is defined simply as the exchange or delivery of goods and services to a customer for a negotiated price.

As a buyer or seller of hay, what works for you? In the end, the buyer and seller are working towards a price that gives both a reasonable chance to make a living – a return for their share in labor, management, capital and risk.

Top-quality, consistent forage is a substantial investment that affects the bottom line. Missing quality parameters can have a devastating effect on milk production and profitability.

It’s World Ag Expo time again. I know that my wife is most looking forward to this year’s show because I won’t have to be absent on Valentine’s Day. I’m sure that might be a benefit to other producers, vendors and attendees. Here’s the top 3 reasons I’m looking forward to attending this year’s show.

Alfalfa hay and other forage producers often become complacent when they hear the term “risk management.” Most often this is attributed to the misunderstanding that risk management programs relate only to managing financial risk via future, options, hedging, forward contracting or crop insurance programs.

Alfalfa quality: The key to marketing a better hay product
Hay is one of the most versatile means to package and sell stored forage for animal feed. Hay can be kept for long periods of time with little loss of nutrients when protected from weather. Many crops can be hayed successfully. Alfalfa, in particular, has successfully been used for specific ration supplementation and for specific animal markets.

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.