Cowsultants’ Post

I am "just" a ______________________________ (fill in the blank). Need some help to stop doing this to yourself? Join us March 1 as we kick off Women's History Month with a Kill the "Just" session which is our quarterly Women’s Ag Leadership Network meeting featuring Amber Roberts, AgWest Farm Credit as she discusses how we are limiting ourselves by using the word “just”. After Amber’s presentation, there will be plenty of time for discussing and networking with other leaders in our virtual rooms. After the regular session ends at 1 p.m. CT, the virtual room will remain open for an additional 30 minutes of informal networking. Register for FREE: https://lnkd.in/euQmVumw After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. . The word “just” when used to describe oneself can be limiting and self-deprecating. It can make one’s accomplishments or abilities seem insignificant or trivial. For example, saying “I’m just a farmer’s wife” can undermine one’s confidence, minimize their impact, and make one feel like they are not capable of achieving their goals. Instead, it’s better to use more positive and empowering language to describe oneself. For instance, “I’m a farmer’s wife, and I play a crucial role in the success of our farm.” The language we use can have a profound impact on our perception of the world and our reality. Using positive language can help build self-esteem, foster a growth mindset, and focus on our strengths and abilities. In the ‘Killing the Just’ session we discuss how our language impacts our life and how we can implement strategies to talk more confidently about who we are and the impact that we have. About our presenter: Amber Roberts grew up in central Montana and received a master's degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Minnesota. After graduating, Amber worked as an Agricultural Business Management Extension Educator for the University of Minnesota where her work focused on farm transition and women in agriculture. She now works for AgWest Farm Credit as an agricultural economist writing about dairy, cattle, row crops, and small grains. Amber also serves on the Advisory Committee for Annie's Project Project, a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening women’s success in the modern farm enterprise. #WALN #womeninag #womeninagriculture #womensagleadership #womenshistorymonth #womenentrepreneurs #womanownedbusiness #womenempowerment #women #agriculture #farming #ranching Women's Agricultural Leadership

There's a group of IA, NE, and MO farmers doing something truly remarkable... and I had the distinct pleasure of joining them to learn what they're up to. This post is bookmark worthy so you actually read to the end. About 8 yrs ago, a regional ag supply business convinced a dozen or so farming entities to meet quarterly to discuss various aspects of their farm businesses. Complete with PowerPoint presentations, yield data, financial breakdowns, and summaries of the highs & lows of the previous quarter, these farm families gathered to support each other’s operations. Meeting costs were shared with the ag retail company & the meeting location bounced around throughout the region. Fast-forward to today → 8 of those original entities still regularly meet for a 2 day “Peer Group” even though the original company no longer facilitates or sponsors it. Here’s what I witnessed: → Each entity presents a report to the group This outlines the good, the bad, and the advice sought from other members over the previous period. Things like: Breakevens Land access Current struggles Marketing positions Succession planning Positive developments Equipment considerations And more… →They bring in an outsider (yours truly for this meeting) to present on a relevant topic → The closest farm hosts a farm tour for the group → Happy hour, delicious meals either catered or at the local bar/grill/restaurant, and plenty of down time to visit, learn, connect, and deepen relationships What impressed me most was how committed each farm is to seeing the others succeed. The generations spanned from semi-retired operators in their 60’s & 70’s to eager to learn young families in their 20’s & 30’s. This quote from one of the ringleaders summed it up nicely: “We all have a thousand excuses to miss a Peer Group meeting, but we know how crucial it is to work ON our business, not just IN our businesses. So, Peer Group is a top priority.” I’m thankful I was included in their Peer Group gathering and I’m further inspired for the future of family farm businesses. Thoughts, feelings, or critiques about what this group of farmers are doing?

💡How can you “step up to the plate” to support agricultural interests? In the latest Rural Matters blog post, Elizabeth Burns-Thompson shares how engaging in civil service can greatly impact your farming operation, community, and agriculture. Farmers and supporters can share their expertise and advocate for agricultural interests by joining local boards, commissions, and government offices. Learn more about how you can contribute to a more resilient future and explore a variety of ag-focused leadership opportunities by clicking the link. #Agriculture #Leadership #RuralMatters https://ow.ly/I10V50SrooK

✨COMMUNICATION and COLLABORATION around public trust issues are key to the success of @FarmFoodCareSK. The opportunity to collaborate with @FarmFoodCareON  and like-minded industry leaders sets a strong foundation that further supports public trust in agriculture.  Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g264c-Fs #publictrust #Communication #Collaboration

“We have demonstrated that development is possible.”   -Nyenyeri Savings Group Leader For the past two years, the Nyenyeri Savings Group has been a source of hope and progress in their community. Their mission is to help people through loans, driving growth and demonstrating the power of local-led initiatives. Members of this group are graduates of our Leader Development Program, where they learned essential skills like long-term goal setting and savings strategies. Through our ongoing mentoring and coaching program, we have offered group leaders personalized guidance to effectively address development in Nyenyeri. The group has funded local projects in farming and agriculture, giving vital support to farmers. They’ve also helped small businesses, from shops and wholesalers to restaurants, boosting the local economy. The Nyenyeri Savings Group is proud of what they've achieved and is dedicated to continuing their work, building a strong and prosperous community.  #marketinnovations #markethubs #ruraltransportation #cleanwater #leaderdevelopment #sustainabledevelopment #accelerate #Kinvest #Impact #Rwanda 

As the next generation steps into leadership roles, it’s crucial for farming businesses to have open conversations about succession planning. These discussions can often feel daunting, but they are essential for ensuring a smooth transition and the continued success of your legacy. Today I attended the insightful AHDB - Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board event ‘discuss the undisscussable’ where guest speaker Elaine Froese, CSP gave direction to how we can break the stigma of succession conversations in the agricultural industry. 1. Schedule regular family meetings to discuss expectations and concerns. 2. Involve everyone including non-farm heirs and previous farming generations. 3. Seek professional advice to define succession and enable conversations. Allowing harder questions to be asked by a professional who has no emotional involvement in the farming business. 4. Create a plan and vision for what succession looks like to each family member. This works towards managing expectations and creating realistic goals. 5. Be transparent with business finances and personal income streams to establish a viable succession plan that works for all parties. Take home thought of the day…where is it written that fair is equal? #FarmBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #AgriculturalConsultant #FamilyBusiness #AHDB

Six months after leaving Texas A&M, I find myself at 26% task completion. The gap? Accountability. In agriculture, we’re not just grain growers - we’re CEOs of multi-million-dollar businesses. It’s time to hold ourselves to higher standards and push for transparency, deadlines, and collaboration. Without accountability, our vision and strategies fall flat. Check out my recent blog to explore why accountability is the missing link in our industry and discover practical steps to keep the needle moving forward. https://lnkd.in/g_4Pa99i #AgricultureLeadership #FarmerCoach #Accountability

While walking Charlie (my dog and co-worker), I paused to grab this photo of a corn field just down from my house/office. It made me think. Since October is just around the corner, here's a thought: Harvest time is a clear reminder of the critical fourth quarter in business and life. Farmers gather their crops after months of cultivation. As a business leader or executive, take this time to reap the fruits of your year's efforts. Everyone would agree that the fourth quarter focus is about closing out the year strong. But consider a [strategic foresight] that sets the groundwork for your future. How can you link Q4 2024 to 2025? As you enter Q4, ask yourself: 💎 What have I cultivated this year that I can now harvest? 💎 What strategies have worked, and how can they be refined for even better results? 💎 How will I plan my next moves to not only finish strong but also to set a strong foundation for the coming year? Be strategic. Ensure a strong finish AND a robust start to 2025.

👩🌾👨🌾 As a millennial sister and brother team, we understand that our generation is driven by values and social consciousness. That’s why we’ve intentionally built Outward Farms to reflect those principles, creating a farm that not only meets but exceeds the highest consumer expectations. Our farm is more than just a place where eggs are produced—it’s a model for education, innovation, and transparency. We’re committed to showing you exactly how our hens are cared for and how your food is made, with a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. We’ve inherited these values from our father, who devoted his career to egg farming and taught us the importance of continuous improvement and solving tough problems. We’re proud to carry forward his legacy, ensuring that Outward Farms remains a leader in the industry and a reflection of the values we all share. https://lnkd.in/e2vwagCr #OutwardFarms #SustainableAgriculture #EthicalFarming #MillennialLeadership #FamilyBusiness

Giving Back to Our Future Leaders Through 4-H! As a small business owner, one of the greatest privileges I have is the ability to give back to the community that supports us. Today, I want to spotlight an organization that holds a special place in my heart – 4-H. For those who might not be familiar, 4-H is a global network dedicated to educating young people in skills that help them contribute positively to their communities and the world. From leadership and public speaking to critical thinking and entrepreneurship, 4-H nurtures the potential in youth, shaping them into leaders of tomorrow. As a local business, we've had the unique opportunity to participate as buyers in 4-H events, particularly focusing on livestock projects. Each interaction with these young individuals, as they present their livestock with pride and professionalism, is not just an investment in their projects but a profound investment in the future of our community. The dedication, responsibility, and care they put into their livestock projects are immensely inspiring and underscore the importance of hands-on learning and community support in nurturing potential. To other businesses and leaders out there, consider how you can support or get involved with 4-H or similar youth programs, especially through livestock projects or other practical endeavors. It’s not just a contribution; it’s a powerful way to build the foundation for a thriving, dynamic future community. Let’s continue to support and invest in our youth. Their success is our success! #4H #CommunitySupport #YouthDevelopment #FutureLeaders #SmallBusinessGiving