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Articles by Lori Culler
Wages are Rising for Farm Operators. You Have Two Choices.
Wages are Rising for Farm Operators. You Have Two Choices. 9/16/2021 | 3:32 PM CDT Many fast-food restaurants are offering $14-$16 dollars per hour or more. That rivals historical pay for farm equipment operators and is one of the forces pushing on-farm wages higher. (Photo courtesy of Lori Culler) I drove by my local Wendy's in southeast Michigan the other day, and I had to turn the car around just to take a picture of their sign.
Farm Strong - Prepare for Peril
Farm Strong - Prepare for Peril 11/15/2020 | 6:01 AM CST Discussing potential safety hazards and how to handle them before they actually happen can go a long way toward preventing accidents. (Progressive Farmer image by Getty Images) The number of ag workers who suffer serious injuries or die on the job each year is staggering. In 2017 alone, 416 farmers and farm workers died from work-related injuries, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
WILSON AND GENTIE SWEEP NAIA NATIONAL RUNNER OF THE WEEK HONORS
Cross Country | Wed, Oct. 14, 2020 at 5:35 AM | by Lori Culler HUNTINGTON, Ind. – The awards continue to pile up for Huntington University sophomore Emma Wilson who was tabbed the NAIA Women's Runner of the Week for the second straight week as announced by the national office earlier today. Wilson's 5K performance at the NAIA Seminole Valley Stampede this past weekend proved the top time in the nation across all college divisions so far this fall.
Prepared For On-Farm Emergencies? Steps To Take - DTN
The number of ag workers that suffer serious injuries or die on the job each year is staggering. In 2017 alone, 416 farmers and farmworkers died from work-related injuries, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Each day, approximately 100 ag workers lose work time because of a work-related injury. To protect your workers and prevent tragedies from occurring on your farm, here are some tips to avoid farm-related injuries.
Ways to Prevent Accidents and Injuries on the Farm
Ways to Prevent Accidents and Injuries on the Farm 10/5/2020 | 1:39 PM CDT Discussing potential safety hazards and how to handle them before they actually happen can go a long way to prevent accidents like this rollover incident. (DTN file photo) The number of ag workers that suffer serious injuries or die on the job each year is staggering. In 2017 alone, 416 farmers and farmworkers died from work-related injuries, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Ag's HR Coach Handling Conflict in a Family Business
Ag's HR Coach Handling Conflict in a Family Business 8/6/2020 | 11:28 AM CDT There's no magic formula for banishing conflict in a family business but addressing small issues before they become big problems is one strategy for keeping conflict under control. (DTN File Photo) Conflict is a normal part of any business, but it's especially inevitable in a family business. No matter how well you all get along, there will be disagreements from time to time.
Ag Business: Great Time to Hire - Take Advantage of Expanded Talent Pool - DTN
Farm laborers, muscadine grape harvest. ©Debra L Ferguson Believe it or not, now is a great time to hire. The agricultural supply chain has been experiencing a talent shortage for years. The good news to come out of this pandemic is the pool of available talent has expanded, and we need to capitalize on this opportunity. Many talented technicians, operators, managers, engineers and more are being furloughed or permanently laid off.
Pandemic Pushes Talent Availability to New Highs
Pandemic Pushes Talent Availability to New Highs 6/5/2020 | 1:34 PM CDT The pandemic has changed the way most businesses are doing interviews. Fortunately for farms, having your interview outside has always been an option. (Progressive Farmer photo by Getty Images) Believe it or not, now is a great time to hire. The agricultural supply chain has been experiencing a talent shortage for years.
Dealing With Coronavirus On The Farm: Start With Clear Communications
Planting season for many is right around the corner, if it hasn’t already started. Meanwhile, the country is dealing with unprecedented times where schools, restaurants and businesses are closed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, and we are encouraged to keep social gatherings to no more than 10 people. As farms, we simply can’t halt upcoming farm production, and yet we also can’t simply go about business as usual.
Clear Communication, Expectations Can Help Farms Prepare for Coronavirus
Clear Communication, Expectations Can Help Farms Prepare for Coronavirus 3/17/2020 | 11:38 AM CDT Schools, restaurants and other businesses may be shutting down amid the coronavirus pandemic, but the crop still needs to be planted. Setting clear expectations now can help minimize the impact later. (DTN file photo) Planting season for many is right around the corner, if it hasn't already started.
Hiring? Understand What Prospects Want To Know - DTN
Seasonal farm workers on a blueberry farm. © Debra L Ferguson Welcome to the biggest hiring month of the year. More jobs get posted in January as companies are working on new budgets, and as candidates start reflecting on their current careers, they may feel it’s time to make a change or focus on moving to the next level. That’s why January is the high month for job movement. While this is true for all industries, it is especially true for agriculture.
Time to Hire
Time to Hire 1/14/2020 | 12:36 PM CST When a candidate sees an interesting job posting, they will often look at up to five other websites before deciding whether to submit an application. Make sure a few of those are yours by creating a website or Facebook page. (DTN file photo) Welcome to the biggest hiring month of the year.
Work-life Balance Isn't Just a Buzz Word
Work-life Balance Isn't Just a Buzz Word 10/21/2019 | 5:55 AM CDT Work-life balance isn't just a buzzword agriculture can ignore. As more job seekers weigh the allocation of professional and personal time with care, there are some things farmers can do to tip the scales in their favor. (DTN File Photo) Growing up on a farm teaches the value of hard work and instills an independence that is not just something to be proud of, it becomes a part of who you are as a person.
Guest opinion: It’s time to talk
Statistically, the No. 1 reason employees change positions is due to their supervisor. Be approachable, trustworthy, and invested in your employees. If they are working for you, they value something about working for a family-run operation. Find out what it is that motivates them, make them feel valued, and give them feedback and opportunities to grow and learn. USDA photo by Alice Welch Family-run farms offer a great way of life, where both relatives and employees alike are treated as family.
It's Time to Talk
It's Time to Talk 9/6/2019 | 7:57 AM CDT Setting expectations, communicating in-the-moment and scheduling ongoing meetings are just three ways you can improve your team's communication. (Progressive Farmer photo by Getty Images) Family-run farms offer a great way of life, where both relatives and employees alike are treated as family. A smaller, close-knit team does have its downfalls. It often creates an environment where it's difficult to hold tougher conversations and address problems.
It's Time to Talk
It's Time to Talk 9/6/2019 | 7:17 AM CDT Setting expectations, communicating in-the-moment and scheduling ongoing meetings are just three ways you can improve your team's communication. (Progressive Farmer photo by Getty Images) Family-run farms offer a great way of life, where both relatives and employees alike are treated as family. A smaller, close-knit team does have its downfalls. It often creates an environment where it's difficult to hold tougher conversations and address problems.
Maximizing Human Capital in a Slow Season
Maximizing Human Capital in a Slow Season 6/26/2019 | 5:57 AM CDT Tackling a big but low-cost project, like organizing the shop, is one way to keep employees engaged if you're facing a lot of downtime this growing season. (DTN photo by Jim Patrico) It's the end of June, and there are still too many acres without crops in the ground.
Guest Opinion: Generation Z is ready to clock in
Just when it feels as if we have Millennials figured out, or somewhat figured out, Generation Z enters the workforce. Generation Z are those born in 1997 or later. By 2021, they will make up more than 20 percent of the workforce. There’s a tendency to label all younger employees as Millennials, but you may be surprised to know that Gen Z’s tendencies, motivations and operational styles are quite different, and, in some cases, completely opposite.
Generation Z is Ready to Clock In
Generation Z is Ready to Clock In 5/31/2019 | 5:52 AM CDT Managers need to adapt as a Generation Z enters the workforce. (Progressive Farmer image by Karl Wolfshohl) Just when it feels as if we have millennials figured out, or somewhat figured out, Generation Z enters the workforce. Generation Z are those born in 1997 or later. By 2021, they will make up more than 20% of the workforce.
Generation Z is Ready to Clock In
Generation Z is Ready to Clock In 5/31/2019 | 6:18 AM CDT Managers need to adapt as a Generation Z enters the workforce. (Progressive Farmer image by Karl Wolfshohl) Just when it feels as if we have millennials figured out, or somewhat figured out, Generation Z enters the workforce. Generation Z are those born in 1997 or later. By 2021, they will make up more than 20% of the workforce.
Farming: Engaged Employees are 21% More Productive - DTN
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo When it comes to improving performance and retaining top talent in our competitive landscape, employee engagement needs to be one of your farm’s top initiatives. An engaged employee is 21% more productive than a less-engaged employee and a highly engaged employee is 87% less likely to leave the organization. High levels of energy, commitment and performance from our employees lead to an increased bottom line.
Guest Opinion: Five ways to increase employee engagement
When it comes to improving performance and retaining top talent in our competitive landscape, employee engagement needs to be one of your farm’s top initiatives. An engaged employee is 21 percent more productive than a less-engaged employee and a highly engaged employee is 87 percent less likely to leave the organization. High levels of energy, commitment, and performance from our employees lead to an increased bottom line.
Five Ways to Increase Employee Engagement
Five Ways to Increase Employee Engagement 4/22/2019 | 12:50 PM CDT Part of keeping employees engaged is having the right tools and resources so employees can perform their jobs and conduct in-the-moment repairs. (DTN/Progressive Farmer file photo) When it comes to improving performance and retaining top talent in our competitive landscape, employee engagement needs to be one of your farm's top initiatives.
Managing a Team is Key to Higher Production
Managing a Team is Key to Higher Production 3/19/2019 | 10:52 AM CDT Engaged employees are more likely to perform their best work and be more productive. (Graphic by AgHires) Business owners, both on farms and across all industries, want to capture higher profit margins. They want teams to produce at a higher level, with less turnover and more individuals thinking versus just doing their work. The secret recipe to achieve these results comes from two words, employee engagement.
Hire the Right Expertise for the Project
Hire the Right Expertise for the Project 1/29/2019 | 5:51 AM CST Experts say freelancing will become more prominent over the next decade, and there are numerous ways this type of labor can improve efficiency on the farm. (DTN file photo) Farmers are known for being innovative, working with what they have to get the job done. Whether it's finding the extra expertise on crop nutrition or specialty equipment fabricated to fit your farm, farmers tend to know who to call.
Guest Opinion: Getting ranch employees to listen
“How do I get my employees to listen?” It’s an interesting request I hear often at farm shows and conferences. Many operators are fed up with employees not listening to their clearly-stated steps. I even had one participant say, “I literally give each step a number, and they still miss steps.” What drives an employee’s behavior at work, including their ability to listen, stems from how well you perform as a leader.
Creative Ways to Tackle Five Common Employee Issues
Also, consider using a time clock system where employees can clock in at the shop or on their phones in the field. It is a great way not only for you, but for the employees to monitor their timeliness. The employees might not feel their lateness is excessive, but seeing it in black and white on their timecards could give them the perspective they need. It's easier to hold concrete discussions about tardiness if you accurately track time and can show how frequently employees are tardy.
Hiring military veterans for the farm
The average American farmer is 58 years old, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture. Farmers over 55 control more than half of the country’s farmland, and one in two is likely to retire in the next decade. Combined with a three-decade-long decline in the number of new farmers joining the ranks, it’s becoming more difficult to find workers. When it comes to hiring, it’s no surprise that a popular credential to look for is military experience.
Hiring Military Veterans for the Farm
The average American farmer is 58 years old, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture. Farmers over 55 control more than half of the country's farmland, and one in two is likely to retire in the next decade. Combined with a three-decade-long decline in the number of new farmers joining the ranks, it's becoming more difficult to find workers. When it comes to hiring, it's no surprise that a popular credential to look for is military experience.
Guest Opinion: Six ways to drive productivity
Farm managers are the leading factor driving the productivity of the team. By their actions and communication, they ultimately set the tone for the work environment. If you’re not happy with the results of the team, it’s time to do some healthy reflection and, as the leader, take actionable steps to ensure your employees are engaged and performing at their best. A successful growing season isn’t possible without motivated operators, livestock herdsmen, or grain haulers.
Farm Communications - Use the Latest Technology - DTN
Productive farms must work together as a team. Each employee plays a role on the team, whether it’s to operate heavy equipment or manage finances from behind a desk. The team should be built on a solid foundation of communication, trust and accountability. The question is: How can a group of employees create and sustain this type of bond?
Why Your Farm Should Have a Web Presence
Why Your Farm Should Have a Web Presence 2/12/2018 | 1:11 PM CST The lack of a web presence can have an impact on a farm's ability to hire workers. (DTN/The Progressive Farmer file photo) Having a website and social media pages isn't just for larger organizations -- farms of all sizes can benefit.
Independent Contractor/1099 or Employee?
With harvest right around the corner, most of us are starting to think about who we need to hire to complete all the activities that need to be done this fall. When hiring seasonal labor for your farm or business, it's a challenge to determine how we should classify and pay for the hours worked. I get it. It's much easier to pay seasonal hires with a check, as if you are paying a vendor, and then simply file 1099 forms for them at the end of the year.
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