Business Management - Articles - Page 15

How to start awkward conversations

Begin the transition planning conversation by keeping it light. Ask to have an initial conversation about transition planning at some point in the future, and encourage others to speak up about their vision for a successful transition.

December 8, 2023

Tim Schaefer

Successful transition planning begins with a first and formal transition conversation, and how the first conversation goes often sets the stage for the entire process. Get off on a good foot, and the entire process is smoother.

The new metrics for high-functioning farms

Environmental, social and governance (ESG); labor concerns and risk management are common topics on dairy producers’ minds lately. Learn how each of these areas can assist in your farm management decisions.

December 7, 2023

Brad Guse and Janine Sekulic

We meet regularly with our dairy clients and prospects, and compared to what we heard not long ago, the conversation has changed regarding what high-functioning farms are focused on today.

Weekly Digest: DMC payments, dairy export updates

The USDA’s dairy export forecast is reduced as the overall ag trade deficit grows.

December 6, 2023

Dave Natzke

Here’s an update on news impacting your dairy as we close out the first full week of December 2023.

Economic Update: Dairy downturn, interest expenses highlight 2023 USDA income forecast

The USDA’s latest milk production and price forecasts are updated late this week.

December 4, 2023

Dave Natzke

Here’s an update on economic factors impacting your dairy finances as the calendar turns to December 2023.

Weekly Digest: Final decision issued for Southeast FMMOs

Meanwhile, the national hearing on Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) pricing formulas resumes this week at a new location.

December 4, 2023

Dave Natzke

Here’s an update on news impacting your dairy during the first full week of December 2023.

October DMC margin hits 10-month high at $9.44 per cwt

Overall U.S. average feed costs were lower and milk prices were up, pushing the milk income margin to the highest level since December 2022.

December 1, 2023

Dave Natzke

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its latest Ag Prices report on Nov. 30, including factors used to calculate October 2023 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) margins and indemnity payments.

Big dairy decisions made easy with big data

Big data and the development of dairy models have allowed researchers to better understand how dairy cows have changed over time, helping producers make more informed decisions for their operation.

December 1, 2023

Veridiana Daley

“Big data,” a term that can be defined as enormous amounts and various types of data that can be used to analyze patterns, trends and associations, has allowed researchers to better understand how dairy cow health, growth and milk production have changed over time.