CB-Lancaster Farming, Saturday, August 3, 1996 10 QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL FARM TEAM Alan W. Strock Extension Agent Farm The following are 10 qualities that successful farm tom? exhibit. After 17 years of observation. I’ve concluded few farm teams exhibit all 10 characteristics, but most demonstrate the majority of these characteristics. These quali ties remain constant whether the team is all family or not. These farm teams: Have All Farm Team Members Sharing Common, Known Goals This is the most critical of all the characteristics, for it is the founda tion of the rest. The farm must have a well defined mission statement that tells everyone why that farm is in business. When creating the mis sion statement, include input from all team members. All team mem bers must firmly believe and fully support this statement, and by hav ing contributed they will believe CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT 1979 Case 4508 dozer, has bad crank, $5OOO. Call 717-386-2945. V V Route 206 North, P.O. Drawer E ■ LJ Newton, NJ 07860 (201) 383-3370 ITRrXj Outside NJ 1-800-545-1278 ToU Free NJ (Parts) 1-800-372-9207 Inn JD financing available to qualified buyers FAX: 201-383-5756 1991 JD 450 G, lever steer 1991 JD 550 G Pedal Steer, 2000 hrs., 1979 JD 850 tilt blade 1986 JD 8508 Tilt blade, excel, cond.. 1995 JOB 21 OS, 4x4x4, cab, extendable dipper, 600 Hr5..536,500 1988 JD 21OC POPS $22,500 1988 JD3IOC w/cab 1982 JD 410, cab, fair cond 1985 JD 41 08, cab, extendable dipper 1986 JD 41OC cab, 4x4 1992 JD4IOD cab, 4x4 1984 JD 51 08, cab, new hyd. pump 1985 JD 51 SB with cab & side shift Backhoe aux. Plumbing 1986 9-ton Tag-A-Long, good condSSQSI $1,850 1968 Mack R Tractor 237/5 Speed $5,500 they have some ownership. All team members know that each one is responsible for quality control, productivity, and profitability. Exhibit Excellence In Communications Each employee and especially management are excellent listen ers. They care about each other’s thoughts and feelings and they know what motivates each other. Communication is not only from the top down, but from the bottom up. Communication is an ongoing priority and is encouraged both formally and informally. These teams stress communica tions at all times. Have Family And Business In Harmony Team members are active in their church, farm organizations, community and/or social group. They often have a hobby or some other avenue of release from the stress and strain of fanning. They take time out for them selves and their family: vacation, hunting, fishing, bowling, and/or attending a family reunion. Every one knows their personal worth isn’t tied to their farm operation. PHONE: 717-626-1164 or 717-394-3047 FAX 717-733-6058 Mon., Tues., Wed:, Frl. 8 AM to 5 PM; Thurs. 7 AM to 5 PM 1985 Case 580 Suepr E, extend-a-hoe, 4x4 w/cab, 4500 hours, good rubber, $25,000 080. 717-456-7316; 410-452-9821. 1991 Eager Beaver 9HOB tandem axle trailer, $4500. Call 717-386-2945. HE BUY. SELL.TBADE OB BENT THROUGH THE 1991 Ford 455 C loader backhoe, low hrs, $23,000/obo; 1992 10 ton tilt trailer, elec, brakes, $4,900. (717)672-5393. 1994 Case 1840 skidsteer loader, 1300 hours, excel lent condition, $14,000. (301)371-5500. HYUNDAI SAKAI TRAIL KING TRAMAC MUSTANG $40,000 $43,000 $29,500 $55,000 $25,000 ..As Is $8,500 521,000 As is $23,500 $51,000 $26,500 $17,000 Want To Buy John Deere Equipment - 70D, 590 D A 490 E They realize fanning is not merely a way of life, but a way to support their family. Team members support and encourage their spouse and family members, as well as fellow team members, to maximize the use of their talents. They arc not like the family whose wife said “I don’t know if I married a farm or a man. Just once I’d like to have a conver sation and not talk about the ani mals, crops, machinery, mortgage, or other farm-related topic.” Are Profitable The farm sets and meets goals for profitability, livestock and crop production, labor efficiency, cash flow surplus, amount of family withdrawals, and debt retirement The goals set are specific, measur able, attainable, rewarding and timed (smart). Their progress is monitored regularly. Remember, you can’t make a nonprofitable business profitable by underpaying your employees, especially family labor. These teams consistently have a higher total farm production out put per worker equivalent than the average. They find creative ways to compensate employees and often make use of productivity or quality based incentive plans that benefit both the owner and employee. Have Shared Responsibility The team captain defines the responsibilities and the authority of each employee. He defines and explains the “chain of command.” or management structure to all employees. The captain treats employees fairly and doesn’t expect them to do something that they themselves wouldn’t do. Employees are given 20+4 Case Trencher w/ cable plow, $2900; Gallon hydrostatic 4-6 ton roller, $1900; pull-behind vibrat ory roller, $2000; 10,000 QVW trailer, $1750; derrick digger on Ford djpsel chas sis, $6500; landscape box, $300; Mott mower $350. 080 for any. 610/488-7658. 1989 Case 621 loader, rebuilt engine & center pin $35,000 1989 JD 210 C, landscape loader w/Gannon 3 pt. hitch, R0P5...520,500 1981 JD 555, ROPS, 4&1, B/H mounting, clean 1992 JD 70D w/blade, long stick 1975 JD 6908 1985 JD 790, V.G. U/C, aux. plumbing. 1986 JD 70 w/blade 1985 Koehring 6614, as is.tSSmi, 1987 JD 482 C forklift, 4x4, cab. 1961 Oliver 2150 duals Toyota skid steer loader buckets.. 3 Yd. 444 E Material bucket, new. Stanley MB 125 hammer, low hrs Dresher PC-19, asphalt profiler, set up for skid steer loader, 19” width JD forks for 350 loader 93A Backhoe 9300 Backhoes, Good Condition Toyota Model 630, Trencher for Toyota Skid Steer. $3,850 WinchforJlMSO^w/lo^rclv^™^ 1993 Shaker Buddy diesel w/trailer more responsibility progressively as they arc ready to handle it The successful team encourages all employees to take training to enhance their abilities, allowing them to share even mote of the tot al responsibility. Everyone is considered a work ing manager, not a managed work er. Everyone has the freedom to do their job the way that best suits them and the teams’ goals. Exhibit Leadership Are very active and probably have leadership roles in their church, farm organizations, and/or community. All members have taken leadership training and take a lead in their given field of production. Nurture Team-Building These teams make the most of everyone’s God given talents and managerial abilities, and puts them in position to shine and succeed. They recognize their personal limitations and work to the best of their ability within the framework of their abilities and other assets. Employees are treated fairly both financially and emotionally, yield ing little employee turnover. Have Fun Ibis could be number one on this list The team enjoys each other’s company. Remember, for many if it’s not fun, then nothing else matters. JUST ARRIVED. 2 CA. DBK 46A S/N Dozers w/ straight blades, good en gines. Both units up and running. Will sell whole or dismantled. BALANDA EQUIPMENT P.O. Box 407 RT 29 Palm, PA 18070. 1-800-322-8030 [SEfB Members don’t have an “I know it all” attitude and are eager to ask other people’s opinion about their approach to a common problem Members have a network of pm fessionals that includes extension agents and specialists, bankets, veterinarians, feed sales represen tative, crop experts, accountant and other farmers. Management regularly discusses farm situation with the network, especially when thoroughly researching a majot change in their farm business. Decisions are made predomin antly on how it will impact the farm financially, with little empha sis on feelings, traditions, or otha nonfinancial considerations. Teams are always looking to make the operation more energy, investment, and labor efficient Teams are very aware of market ing and do not produce a commod ity that they cannot market In summary, a farm that exhibit) these 10 characteristics will have an excellent chance of not only surviving, but thriving in the changing business world of the twenty-first century. The successful farm team real izes that there is no “I” in team and that each member has unique talents and strengths and weaknes ses and is of infinite value. H eLP y Ooßseu f 9-ton Jersey trailer, $2500. 609/965-6164. ’94 JD3IOD+ JC8215, 4WD backhoes, S44K/ea; 185 dsl air compressor skid, S3K; PTO trencher S2K. 302/998-9563. $24,000 $47,500 $19,600 $57,000 $24,500 $23,000 $22,000 ..$4,250 FOR ..$2,400 ..$3,500 $7,600 $l,OOO $3,500 $4,500 $18,500 Have A Network Of ‘Experts* That They Resource Regularly Run The Farm Business On Business Principles 580 Case backhoe parti. (609)853-7372. *77 Mack log truck. 79 Int Iri-axte log truck w/Pronto loader. Bell Feller bundw Franklin 170 skidder. M&M sawmill. Fulghum chipper Morbark debarker. Pen air-ride. 38lnt rear-endt, 350 hp electric motor Clearfield, (814)672-3196. AC Forklift, 50001 b, solid tires, LP, side shift, AT, good condition, $3950 717/733-2740. Air compressor, SOhp, electric, Worthington w I tank/cooler/s tartars, $2950. 717/354-3106. Allied 87008 hoe-pac tam per, fits backhoe, $1,500. (301)371-5500. Backhoe unit Full pow»f 16foot reach, digs 11M deep. Mounts (easily) and operates from bed of ojm ton pick-up. Asking $5500 for unit w/truck. Bargain] (717)647-2451 (717)547-0869. Bucyrus Erie 45C. 30 ton, hydraulic truck crane, got* condition, $30,000 (410)358-9730.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers