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Agri[CULTURE] – Building on Diversity

On May 14, 2018

Many of us are creatures of habit when it comes to what we do and how we get it done. The “ruts of repetition” can get deep quickly! We do well to stop and ask ourselves, “Why do we do what we do?” To explore potential diversity and build on it in a farm operation requires no small amount of wisdom and courage! The Apostle James wrote, “If anyone lacks wisdom, let them ask of God who gives generously to all.” To make a change just for the sake of doing something differently, is unwise and can easily make a situation worse. Also, choose your counsellors wisely. Someone who is not closely aligned with the vision and mission of your enterprise will bring confusion rather than help. Think (and pray) about THAT!

DAIRY FARMER ENCOURAGES SEEKING WISDOM FROM THOSE WHO SHARE YOUR VALUES
Carrie Bomgardner
AgChoice Farm Credit

Dairy producer Karen Hawbaker, center, with her farm team members, encourages others to seek wisdom from others and from God when making difficult decisions.

FRANKLIN COUNTY — Despite not growing up on a farm, “God instilled a love of farming in me,” said Karen Hawbaker, a Franklin County dairy farmer. “It was always a great interest of mine even when I was young.”

In middle school, Karen spent some time on her uncle’s dairy farm, fueling her interest in the dairy industry.

As a high school freshman, Karen received a “chain calf” to raise and show as an FFA project, the first of many dairy projects. Her FFA teacher also encouraged her to participate in judging teams; it was a fit for Karen who competed at the national level in both dairy and poultry.

Karen graduated from Penn State with a dairy production degree and worked in dairy nutrition sales and training with Master Mix. “I met my late husband, Rod, while I was on the job,” she remembered. “He was farming with his parents and decided to strike out on his own in 1987.” Karen and Rod married a year later, launching their dairy partnership.

After renting farms for a few years, they purchased a farm in 1995 in Chambersburg. “Our farm looks much different than when we bought it,” Karen explained.

“We updated the parlor and facilities as we increased our herd size.”

They also changed their management philosophy. “In the beginning, we tried to do everything ourselves,” Karen recalled. “We eventually made the transition to contracting custom crop work, instead focusing our time on the cows.”

Their cow focus resulted in numerous production and milk quality awards for Rod and Karen’s Warm Spring Dairy through the years.

In 2011, with Rod’s unexpected passing from a farming accident, Karen faced a quick decision about the dairy farm’s future with her children, Owen and Kirsten. “Whenever I need to make a decision, I want to do what God wants of me,” said Karen. “God blessed my decision to continue farming. People were very supportive of me.”

Her support system included an employee who continued working for Karen. “He’s been with me a total of 17 years,” explained Karen. Two additional full-time employees and a part-time high school student help Karen mange her 185-cow herd.

Karen also decided to continue Rod’s vision and work with the dairy committee of Love in Action International Ministries (LIAIM), serving on the organization’s board of directors. The organization established a dairy farm at a Bolivian orphanage. Reflecting on the challenging times in her life, Karen encourages farmers not to go it alone. “Seek out wisdom from those who share your values and understand you,” she said. “There are so many people in agribusiness who are experts in the field. I look to them for encouragement and advice for the success of my dairy.”

Ultimately, Karen’s relationship with God is where she finds her peace. “God takes you through hard times to help mold you,” she shared. “He brings you through those hard times and shows you hope.”

 

REDUCE STRESS BY PLANNING FOR YOUR FARM’S FUTURE TODAY
Matt Meals
AgChoice Farm Credit Consultant

CUMBERLAND VALLEY — Considering “what’s next” for your farm business? Thinking about the future without a plan can elevate the stress you, and your family members’ experience. Successful family businesses require a strategic plan and road map to meet goals for each business stage – growth, diversification, transition or even an exit. Learn the important steps to start the strategic planning process for your business and family’s future.

1. Start early. Now is the time to bring your family together to start the conversations.

2. Invite everyone affected. Bring all family members, spouses and anyone in the business impacted by the planning process to the table. Will your plan include a non-family business transition? Include family members in those discussions too as they will be impacted by the process. Do not invite your nosey neighbors.

3. Designate a leader. A leader will help facilitate conversations to ensure all voices are heard in the planning process. Each member’s perspective will shape the process, so it is important that there are no assumptions.

4. Assemble a team. Bring third party advisors in for an outside perspective to your team. Consultants can help navigate tough conversations and see what others might miss. Everyone’s transition planning team will look different, with different types of consultants, depending your situation.

5. Set realistic timelines. The planning process is not a one-time event. A process happens over time. During the development phase, target specific goals and deadlines. When the plan is complete, revisit it at least once per year to benchmark and adjust as needed.

6. Communicate with your team. Communication needs to happen among owners, owners’ spouses and the different generations. Throughout the transition process, poor communication and family dynamics can push the brakes on the process. Begin communication by understanding each team member’s individual and business goals.

7. Focus on family. Regardless of the plan, a successful transition prioritizes family. After planning, your family should be to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas together. Businesses come and go every day, but family is forever.

By keeping these steps in mind, you will be able to alleviate stress on your way to a successful future for your business.