Oftentimes in a meeting we might hear “take care of your mental health,” usually coming from leadership. A manager might suggest you “go home and relax” as an effort to protect your mental health. The problem is if there is a true mental health issue, “relaxing” isn’t going to solve it. Going home and taking a bath isn’t going to … Read More
While the agriculture business is founded on principles of independence, when it comes to finances it is important to let your lender see the details. Sharing your financials with your agriculture lender is important for building a lasting relationship with the lender. When you are open about your finances, you open the lines of communication, which builds trust, and the … Read More
Protection It is extremely important to choose passwords that protect your personal information. There are many types of dangerous identities that are working every day to steal your personal information such as hackers and malicious software. There are many ways for hackers to steal your information. They have resources to buy your passwords of the dark web, manual guessing, and … Read More
Succession planning is the process of identifying and training potential leaders in your organization. This includes not only leaders at the top but all leadership roles in your business. The idea of succession planning is to prepare your organization for all scenarios, and it can help retain employees if they know there are advancement opportunities for them in the future. … Read More
Employee reviews are a necessary part of keeping a business running successfully. Your employees appreciate receiving feedback, both positive and negative. According to MIT Human Resources, “The performance review is a crucial part of the ongoing dialogue between managers and employees.” If employees expect regular and thorough reviews, there is less room for guesswork on their part as to what … Read More
Are you waiting to find a resume left on the printer before asking an employee if they are satisfied with their position? You will be waiting for a long time. An employee putting in their notice without any warning signs is rare, but leaving a resume on the printer is equally rare. Typically, employees leave clues about their departure long … Read More
Last year is memorable to everyone as the year of the COVID pandemic, but to farmers in the corn belt of the midwest, the derecho was the reason 2020 is so memorable. The derecho, an intense and devastating thunderstorm spanning over 700 miles, hit on August 10th. The most affected area of this storm was Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 2021, … Read More
The majority of successful businesses use social media to gain and maintain customers or clients. This use has been steadily increasing since 2013, and will continue to rise as innovative social media platforms are conceived. There are benefits to using social media as a marketing tool, but it is not as easy as it seems. Benefits of Social Networking Specifically, … Read More
Marketing has drastically changed over the last 20 years with the introduction of social media. Even if you were trained in marketing strategies years ago, chances are you are not familiar with the current platforms your customers are using. Short-term marketing strategies are important for immediate boosts in business, but they do not guarantee long-term growth or success on their … Read More
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. “Essential” technology, both in the home and in the workplace has changed drastically over the last decade, and it will continue to change over the next. Technology gives us the ability to do everyday tasks more efficiently, which certainly also applies to farming. Some technologies aid farmers in an increase … Read More
The number of available jobs continues to rise post-pandemic, and now more than ever companies are competing for employees. It is not just salaries or wages employers are using to entice potential candidates, it’s also benefits. Fast food restaurants are offering tuition credits. Small and large businesses alike are offering flexible work schedules. After a year of limited travel, people … Read More
Think back to a time when you were on a job and wished you had a certain skill. Maybe that skill would make your job easier, more enjoyable, or more profitable. Whatever the skill might have been, do you wish your employer would have provided you with the tools to learn? Providing continuing education to your employees is an investment … Read More
