I first taught about mission statements almost 40 years ago when we developed the Pro-Dairy program in New York state. Over time, my thinking has continued to evolve and, hopefully, improve by including vision and values.

Conflict is a daily reality. Some conflicts are relatively minor and easy to handle. However, conflicts of greater magnitude require a strategy for successful resolution to prevent them from creating constant tension. The strategy requires using the best conflict style for each situation.

In the first article in this two-part series, I focused on the leadership, parenting and mentoring required by parents from birth of their children to the time they do or do not return to the ranch or farm business.

This article is the first in a two-part series. I meet ranchers and farmers who are in the fifth or even sixth generation. I have met a few with double-digit generations.

I use a book by Patrick Lencioni, The Truth About Employee Engagement: A Fable About Addressing the Three Root Causes of Job Misery, as the basis for this article.

I use a book by Patrick Lencioni, The Truth About Employee Engagement: A Fable About Addressing the Three Root Causes of Job Misery, as the basis for this article.

Editor’s note: This article is the second in a two-part series. Click here to read the first article. In the first article, which appeared in the June 12, 2018 issue of Progressive Dairyman, I focused on the leadership, parenting and mentoring required by parents from birth of their children to the time they do or do not return to the dairy farm business.

Editor’s note: This article is the first in a two-part series. I meet farmers who are in the fifth or even sixth generation on their farm. I have met a few with double-digit generations. My wife and I both have brothers on Century Farms that are transitioning to our nephews.

Summer is an exciting time on a ranch or farm. The crops are growing. Children are out of school. Livestock are often outside. As summer progresses, the excitement can turn to what is often referred to as the August blues. Why?

Recruitment and selection are not the fondest areas of work for most dairy farm managers, leaders and owners. It, therefore, is important to productively focus your energies. To better understand the importance of focus, we start with a discussion of the circles of concern and influence.