Think about the following question: What do athletes, musicians (or actors) and beef production business employees (or agribusiness employees) have in common? I expect that your first answer was: “Not much.”

Our K-12 and college students are well into another year of their education. You will soon see announcements for winter educational sessions. In this article, we stop and reflect on “learning.” In order to look ahead, let’s first look back.

Our K-12 and college students are starting another year of their educations. You will soon see announcements for winter educational sessions. In this article we stop and reflect on “learning.” In order to look ahead, let’s first look back.

I often hear statements like: “Young people today are not willing to work hard.” Although sometimes there is truth to this statement, it is an oversimplified analysis. The changing workforce and, consequently, the labor market is the topic of this article.

“Ranching is a way of life.” “I love the animals.” “I can’t imagine doing anything else but being a rancher.” Even after a terrible year due to low prices or terrible weather: “I love what I do.”

In about a month, we will again be in the graduation season – high school, college or maybe even preschool. Most of you will attend a graduation, open house or other event celebrating the graduation. Let’s pause to think about the meaning of graduation.

Think for a moment what your life would be like without interpersonal relationships – no one to interact with, talk to or even email/text. Life really is about relationships. When we think of relationships, we think first about family, friends and perhaps co-workers.

“Farming is a way of life.” “I love the animals.” “I can’t imagine doing anything else but being a farmer.” “We are stewards of the land.”

I often get asked to consult with multi-partner farm businesses. When I ask the partners, “What are areas that need improvement?” the most common answer is “better communication.”

I often hear, “Young people today are not willing to work hard.” Although sometimes there is truth to this statement, it serves better as a symptom of the incredible changes occurring in today’s workforce and labor market.