Growing crops and livestock is one thing.
Growing your operation is another.
Even the most successful farmers find it challenging to manage a complex operation.
That’s because farming and ranching require one set of skills, while managing a successful business takes a completely different set.
At Encore, we’re passionate about helping farmers improve their operations by developing management skills, gaining new perspectives and planning for change.
Hundreds of farmers have worked with us—and they’ve grown, changed and prospered.
Are you ready to begin?
Insights
What do transition planning and CRP burns have in common?
Successful transition planning takes a plan If you don't want a raging grass fire, you have to plan. To get a controlled fire that burns the CRP grassland without making the local newspaper, takes planning and preparation. I learned the hard way that tossing a match without planning doesn't end well. The same goes for transition planning. Transition planning is a bit like a pasture burn. It can either be effective and routine or really exciting and out of control. When transition planning is out of control, bad things happen, and people get hurt. Relationships and bridges get burnt. My first grass burn was a disaster. It wasn't that I was reckless; it's just that I didn't know how and didn't understand the power of large grass fire. Unmanaged conflict during a transition plan looks like...
Investing in the next generation
Just like any investment, the earlier you start the more it has time to grow and develop. You invest in your business; you invest in your retirement, and you invest in your connections with loved ones. Have you considered investing in the future leadership of your farm? John thought he had everything covered. He didn't question his succession plan; he was fortunate to have two sons come back to the dairy. Everyone worked well together, and it was just assumed it would easily be passed on. Unfortunately, John passed away unexpectedly before his anticipated retirement date. His sons were not prepared to fully "take over" the operation, nor did they agree on who would be in charge of what. Arguments ensued. Employees quit. Big decisions were left unanswered. John did...
The conversations families must have if they want to keep the farm together
When it comes to Transition Planning, communication is the foundation. This was the case with my friend Bob. He was so delighted when both his son and daughter decided to come back to the family farm. In addition, their spouses also chose to join the operation. For the first year, it was smooth sailing. Together the family made plans to expand the dairy operation. Then, in a blink of an eye, things went south. No one agreed on the methods, operational protocols, or roles. There were even disagreements about the culture and farm values. Bob was discouraged; he assumed they would all be in constant agreement since his children were raised on the farm. He did not believe there would be any conflict among family members, the same people who...
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