Farm Horizons • April 3 , 2017 • Page 12
Photo by Starrla Cray
Dr . Jeffrey Bewley , extension dairy systems specialist with the University of Kentucky , shared small-farm strategies at the Carver County Dairy Expo Feb . 20 .
Bewley said that when looking for workers , he doesn ’ t necessarily look for the person with the most skill . “ I ’ m looking for passion and a desire to learn ,” he said . “ Good work ethic and someone who will treat others well .”
• Customers / Suppliers – A personal connection to
others in business can enhance success . Bewley said farmers can enhance their relationship with consumers by sharing information about their operation in daily conversation .
“ There are so many misconceptions about what goes on at dairy farms ,” he said , explaining that farmers can contribute to an overall positive image of the dairy industry .
• Passion – Successful leaders love what they do . For farmers , working with the land and with animals is often highly rewarding , Bewley said . However , he added that “ it ’ s easy to lose sight of it , particularly when times are hard .”
Farmers should evaluate their passion for the business , and know when it ’ s time to change current methods , or even when it might be time to walk away .
Embracing change
Small farmers need to be adaptable .
Bewley illustrated this point with a quote from Charles Darwin – “ It ’ s not the strongest of the species that survives , nor the most intelligent that survives . It is the one that is most adaptable to change .” Bewley advised farmers to continually be learning , networking , and thinking of ways to increase revenue ( not just decrease costs ).
Small farmers should develop a business model , and strive for greatness in that area . The model will look different for different farms , such as organic , grazing , agri-tourism , marketing genetics , on-farm processing , high yield , contract heifer raising , contract feed , or partnerships with other farmers .
Bewley said a partnership could be something as simple as three neighbors who use the same teat dip purchasing together in order to get a volume discount .
“ I know a group in Kentucky that does this for some