Archive for June, 2010

Why should I be a better listener – Part Two

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

What if I showed you a free tool that you could implement today that would have the potential to make your farm 21% more profitable, without spending a dime ?

What is it?

It’s listening.  After you have asked  “What’s the most important thing to talk about?”

continue to listen, and use more open-ended questions.

Open ended questions that don’t require a simple yes or no answer will start the tsunami of ideas flowing your way. If your son is an “idea” style communicator, he needs lots of uninterrupted time to explain his great production idea to you, and talk about the potential to diversify your farm operation. Don’t interrupt. Let him go on all the tangents he needs to and look him in the eye. Nod in affirmation that you are truly listening, and try not to cross your arms in disgust or with impatience. Do you actually remember what it felt like to have dreams, be invincible, and feel like nothing could stop you ? Continue reading Why should I be a better listener – Part Two »

Fathers give family leadership

Saturday, June 12th, 2010

As we stood by the graveside of my friend’s father we both noticed two Canada Geese winging overhead as the casket was being lowered into the grave. I smiled and thought God had provided a gentle reminder that He was there, the geese mate for life, and they flew overhead to remind me of the strength of family bonds. Continue reading Fathers give family leadership »

Why should I be a better listener? – Part One

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

What if I showed you a free tool that you could implement today that would have the potential to make your farm 21% more profitable, without spending a dime ?

This tool was used by US farm journalist John Phipps and he said his business generated more income as a result. It was also used by the top-shelf farmers in over 6 states who were studied by Virginia Tech Grad students.

What is it? Continue reading Why should I be a better listener? – Part One »

The Daughter In-law Barrier

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Sometimes a short conversation lights a huge fire of controversy, and this blog may create a few sparks, so please read carefully, all the way to the end.

A farm family with a very strong-willed daughter-in-law asks their business planner how to make progress with decision making since the “in-law” seems to have an opinion about every farm business decision made. The planner advised the farm team to consider farm business and shareholder decisions as their “territory” making it clear that the spouse, ie. Daughter in law was not part of that decision group.

What would you advise for conflict resolution?

Everyone has an opinion, so let’s dig deeper and figure out what a daughter in law needs: Continue reading The Daughter In-law Barrier »

Freeloading on the Farm

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

free·load (frld)

intr.v. free·load·ed, free·load·ing, free·loads Slang

To take advantage of the charity, generosity, or hospitality of others.

freeloader

Noun

Slang a person who habitually depends on others for food, accommodation, etc.

Spring is the time we are aware of what  income taxes we need to pay. But are we aware of all the non-taxable benefits we enjoy on the farm ? Dick Wittman has a planning template to figure out all the things we enjoy on the farm, but don’t account for. (Go to www.wittmanconsulting.com and hit the file downloads “Compensation Summary”.) Things like “free beef” , fuel for the pick-up’s personal use, etc. The farm’s generosity covers many family living expenses. Compensation is sometimes a contentious issue.

Freeloading is a slang term with somewhat of a negative context. I wonder if you have challenged your single adult sons to account for all the benefits they have when then live with you after age 25, and how they depend on you for farm based generosity.

Some single farmers are not leaving the nest. They have it very good at mom’s house. She is still doing their laundry, feeding them, and mending jeans.  Mom is looking for mobile homes, but son isn’t getting the hint. Continue reading Freeloading on the Farm »