Michael Langemeier

Keywords: management succession, management transition, strategy development, relationship management, leadership

Transferring business management between generations is one of the most critical steps in transitioning the business from an older generation to a younger generation. Having said that, in numerous instances, this step is given little thought. Transitioning management cannot be done overnight, and often requires a trial and error approach before it can be determined how each generation fits into the multiple generation business. This article briefly describes some of the key factors that need to be considered when transitioning business management from an older generation to a younger generation. The outline of this article roughly follows Hofstrand (2016c). However, this article elaborates on many of the points made by Hofstrand (2016c) and provides additional focus on getting the process started.

Michael Boehlje, Craig Dobbins, and Alan Miller

Keywords: financial management, strategy development, relationship management, leadership, risk management

To be a good production or plant manager, apart from outstanding production characteristics, there are several other, less talked about business management functions that farm managers of the future must perform well in order to achieve success. This publication provides lists of indicators and detailed checklists for each business function including production, procurement and selling, financial management, personnel, strategy development, relationship management, leadership, and risk management. The checklists help you perform a self-assessment in each area discussed, and are tools to stimulate your thinking about the activities farm business managers must perform. Over time, they can help you to track your progress in developing business management skills. At the end of this publication, you will find an annotated list of resources for each area discussed. If you choose to improve your skills in a particular area, these resources will provide useful starting points.

Michael Boehlje, Craig Dobbins, Alan Miller, Janet Bechman, and Aadron Rausch

Keywords: production and operations management skills, financial management, general business management skills, personal attitudes and decision skills

One critical issue faced by many families is the long-run financial success of the business after struggling through short-run financial stress. The checklists in this publication can assist you in assessing whether you have the required skills to achieve long-term succession given the profound changes in the agricultural industry and in the farming environment. The assessment checklists included identifying attitudes and skills in four fundamental areas: production and operations management skills, financial management skills, general business management skills, and personal attitudes and decision skills. The purpose of these assessment checklists is not to assess your chances of success (i.e., I will be successful because I ranked high on a particular checklist), but to identify specific skill, ability, and attitude areas that are critical for future success. The resource list with each checklist points you to reference materials that might be useful. The resources you consult will lead you to still other sources of information. We encourage you to pursue those leads as far as your interest carries you.