accountability | Ag Proud

Who is responsible for what on your farm?

Use the RACI chart described in this article to delegate who is responsible, accountable, consulted and informed of projects and tasks.

January 22, 2025

Elaine Froese

If you are gearing up for spring planting or tending to livestock, you know there are many daily tasks to complete, and your mind may be saying “The work on this farm is never done.” Many young farmers are keen to work hard to prove they are ready to become farm managers, but what tools are helpful for founders and successors to delegate the tasks ahead?

Addressing employee complacency

When an employee’s performance begins to drift to unacceptable levels, it may be due to complacency. Even if your business is not currently experiencing any levels of complacent behavior, choose a few of these activities to show your employees that you care about them and desire to create a workplace that is very enjoyable, rewarding and engaging.

December 23, 2024

Don Tyler

Sometimes a business owner or manager may be confused by the change in behavior of an employee who is usually productive and pays close attention to details. They could see employees fail to work at their normal pace, make unusual mistakes, do low-quality work or spend too much time talking.

How to embrace a positive perspective for farm transition

Put yourself in the shoes of others and take responsibility for your actions; you may find a new perspective on farm transition that yields better results for all parties.

February 6, 2024

Elaine Froese

Imagine this is the day you hop out of bed with a spring in your step, anticipating the life-changing transaction taking place this afternoon.

Workplace abilities requiring no talent

Many businesses can teach employees how to do the tasks required for the job. However, traits they can’t teach tend to be more important for the employee to have to succeed with the company.

September 28, 2023

Don Tyler

Many business leaders and managers complain that they can teach new employees how to do all the tasks required for the job, but too often prospective employees lack the character and attitude necessary to fit their company culture.

Understanding emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to respond to situations in a mature and reasonable manner. Those in management and leadership positions should be aware of their own emotional habits and help others develop these skills as well.

April 19, 2023

Don Tyler

Emotional intelligence has become a significant topic for development and mentoring as well as a key criterion for management and leadership positions.

Leadership drives employee retention

June 30, 2022

Mike Bray

For years, high turnover rates have impacted farm finances, productivity and future business outlook. Some have seen turnover rates as high as 75% year-over-year.

How successful businesses define ownership versus management: Rights, responsibilities and benefits

June 1, 2022

Jay Joy

There’s an old saying: “Good fences make good neighbors.” In the case of businesses, I’d modify that old nugget of wisdom slightly to say: “Good boundaries make for good businesses.”

Minimizing horse and rider injuries

May 24, 2022

Bruce Derksen

Accidents and injuries on North American farms and ranches occur in a variety of ways, many times caused by moving equipment or tools, but often they involve horses and riders.

Avoiding common mistakes in family businesses

August 24, 2021

Don Tyler

I am naturally optimistic and intrinsically look for the positives even during difficult times. It is for that reason I find it difficult to spend an entire article focusing on the counterproductive behaviors of some family businesses.