I often hear complaints like the following from my clients and workshop participants:

Put yourself in this situation. Your son, your daughter, another family member or a friend has just decided to become a member of a school or other sports team. As you think of them beginning this new adventure, what would you like for them to find as they join the team? Focus on what you hope they find as they join the team, not the end product of a winning season.

One of our agricultural adages is that the best land makes the most money. In our livestock enterprises, we feel the same way about our animals.

In the last week, I have had three discussions about the future of professional development for farm owners and leaders. In each discussion, I have suggested that a part of their professional development in supervision, strategy and leadership should be outside of agriculture. Why would I make that suggestion?

In the last week, I have had three discussions about the future of professional development for farm owners and leaders. In each discussion, I have suggested that a part of their professional development in supervision, strategy and leadership should be outside of agriculture. Why would I make that suggestion?

There is no doubt in my mind that the vast majority of beef producers care about and care for their animals. There is also no doubt, however, that society’s perception of appropriate animal care practices has changed and continues to evolve.

In this article, we focus on the most indispensable part of any industry – beef, agriculture, any business. I am talking about customers of farmers – consumers of food. It is important to remember that no business can exist without customers that purchase its products or services.

We begin with a formula for feedback that, when implemented, will increase performance and enhance job satisfaction:

In 2012, and likely continuing into 2013, economic conditions for the dairy enterprise have been at best challenging. Coming on top of a disastrous year in 2009 and continuing in the new era of high feed prices, many dairies are in very weak financial positions. These businesses are often called “troubled dairies.”