By Blake Jackson
Building a successful dairy farm goes beyond managing animals, feed, and finances. Effective teamwork and a strong organizational culture are crucial for long-term success.
The Dairy Managers Institute, offered by Professional Dairy Producers (PDP), aims to empower dairy producers and other professionals with the skills and strategies they need to manage, coach, and lead their teams effectively.
This two-day program caters to all levels of leadership, featuring three separate tiers with simultaneous Spanish translation for all sessions. “When it comes to our personal roles on the farm, we know what we’re doing. The thing that’s going to set you apart from others is being able to effectively communicate with those around you,” said Ryan Schultz from Pagel’s Ponderosa, Kewaunee, Wis. “Growing is challenging. This program pushes you out of your comfort zone so you can learn what you came to learn.”
The workshop takes place on December 10-11, 2024, at PDP Headquarters in Juneau, Wisconsin. Participants choose one of three workshop tiers to focus on:
Tier One: Lead and Manage with Insight
Led by Dr. Becky Stewart-Gross, this tier dives deep into the five core practices of effective leadership. Participants will learn to:
- Identify their leadership strengths and weaknesses
- Differentiate between managerial and leadership skills
- Implement change more effectively while considering team member reactions
- Understand how to best support team members through change
Tier Two: Master the Art of Coaching
Michael Hoffman, founder of Igniting Performance, Inc., guides participants through developing their coaching skills. This tier focuses on:
- Creating strategic coaching conversations for various situations
- Identifying individual needs and effectively engaging with team members through coaching
- Delivering constructive feedback and building commitment to action plans
- Recognizing the role managers play in influencing team members
Tier Three: Nail the Financials and Negotiations
Dr. Kevin Bernhardt and Linda Swindling equip participants with financial and negotiation skills. This tier covers:
- Calculating the farm's break-even point and cost-benefit analysis
- Understanding the principles of debt management
- Exploring various negotiation styles and leveraging them effectively
- Recognizing when to compromise or walk away from a negotiation
Registration for the Dairy Managers Institute is now open. The fee includes course materials and meals. Visit pdpw.org or call 800-947-7379 for details and lodging information. Each tier of the program offers up to 14 Dairy AdvanCE continuing education credits.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: Wisconsin, Business