Management

Just two days ago, I got off the phone with a 25-year-old corn farmer named Billy who recently became a father. He explained to me that only a few days after the baby was born, he was given the chance to see the farm’s financials for the first time.

Casually walking into the bank one day a few years ago, I bumped into a dairyman I have known since 2006. We caught up about our kids and life. Then he described a situation he was in that is a common one I find in my consulting work with dairies.

Exploring options and selecting management software, programs and tools for your farm can become overwhelming in short order. Technology tools rapidly evolve with new features, which can muddy the picture and make it seem difficult to weigh the pros and cons of various options.

As people who live in rural areas, we are all used to the potholes that jar our vehicles and rattle our teeth. Likewise, the financial statements that measure the position and performance of our dairy businesses have potholes that are sometimes difficult to navigate.

Work on a dairy farm can be hectic. A lot of your success and efficiency is tied to clarity on who does what and when. Consider creating more energy when you understand what I call the family roles guide.

With sustainability becoming ever more a focus in the food system, the urgency of creating practical ways to achieve something meaningful is increasing. The calls for progress are growing from customers, communities and regulators. And they want proof.