Business

All Business Content

two female ag workers smiling while reviewing a document on the hood of a pickup

Providing Feedback to Employees

Positive feedback can be motivating. It gives the employee a sense of accomplishment, achievement, recognition, and a sense of importance to the business.

Dairy worker giving tour of dairy facility.

How Are You Empowering Others as Leaders or Employees?

You will be amazed how well people can perform as employees or leaders when you take the time to establish job expectations and then empower them to accomplish them.

male dairy worker greeting a crowd of people inside a dairy processing facility

Preparing to Host a Farm Tour

Taking the time to prepare for a farm tour will result in a positive experience for those attending your farm but will also help build relationships with consumers of our products.

A Dairy Manager working with an employee to determine breeding protocols on the SDSU Dairy Research and Teaching Unit

Coaching for Performance

One of the most difficult things for farm managers/owners to master is coaching employees for optimal performance.

row of lockers with several employee jackets, hats, and clothing hanging outside.

10 Simple Amenities That Will Boost Employee Morale

Agricultural employers who prioritize their work environment and offerings often have employees that are more satisfied and proficient at their work.

Two blue feed buckets filled with distillers grains.

Evaluating Feedstuffs on Nutrient Cost-Comparison Basis

Feed costs in dairy diets typically make up half or more of the input expenses of a ration. Thus, it is imperative to keep a handle on input costs by comparing ingredients on an apples-to-apples basis when looking for cost-effective diet solutions.

Dairy Farm Employees gather around at a formal training meeting on a dairy farm to learn new information. Courtesy: Heidi Carroll

Optimizing Meetings on the Farm

No one wants to have a meeting for the sake of having one. So, when you decide to have a meeting with your employees, keep a few of the following suggestions in mind.

Producer and USDA agent reviewing CFAP 1.0 application.

USDA: CFAP 1 Program Payment Benefits to Producers

In examining the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 1.0 website, we are able to directly see the impact of the program and the payments made to producers across the country.

Two people having a conversation, one being the herd manager and the other the employee in a dairy free stall barn.)

Coaching vs. Evaluations To Improve Ag Employee Performance

One of the most difficult things farm managers have to master is coaching employees. Using appropriate coaching methods with employees will help you as a manager to achieve the desired employee performance you are looking for in your operation.

Screenshot of the SDSU Extension Net Income Tool displaying Corn Expected Net Income Per Acre for East Central South Dakota.

South Dakota Grain Net Income Tool

South Dakota producers can use the SDSU Extension Net Income Tool to monitor their expected net income per acre given their location, commodity of interest, and changes to market prices. The tool gathers the most-recent end-of-day market prices to determine the latest expected net income for wheat, corn, and soybeans in the different regions of the state.