Using a Team Based Approach to Farm Management to Improve Profitability
Leadership and Administrative Skills
Aerica Bjurstrom
Regional Dairy Educator
University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension
Luxemburg
Abstract
Farm management teams consisting of agriculture professionals who work with dairy producers are an effective process to address farm management issues. By gathering professionals from different sectors of the industry, producers get ideas and learn new methods to improve management. Through a team-based approach, producers are able to address issues on the farm that might not otherwise be solved by a single agriculture professional. Extension educators play an important role as the team facilitator by being the lead communicator through coordinating meetings dates and agendas, keeping the group on task, and also serve as a key link between University based research and Specialist input. Successful teams create a network of agriculture professionals amongst each other while providing professional assistance from their respected industry. Successful management teams in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin consisting of the Extension educator, veterinarians, nutritionist, agriculture lenders, and University specialists have increased farm profitability as much as over $100,000 per year per farm.\r\n\r\nThe proposed presentation will address how to manage a successful team through communication, addressing what happens when a team becomes dysfunctional, and how to lead a positive team based approach by incorporating university based research , state specialist, and branching out beyond the agriculture industry for innovative ideas. The presentation will lay out a blueprint for developing a team, facilitating, and following-up after the team has reached desired goals.
Authors: Bjurstrom, A.
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Bjurstrom, A. Agriculture Agent, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin, 54216