As you probably already know, the new Dairy Revenue Protection Program was introduced in early November. Is this the answer we’ve all been looking for? I don’t see it as the whole answer to our industry challenges. However, it does represent another tool to use in setting minimum milk prices. Like any other existing tool, it can only benefit you if you learn how to use it and then, most importantly, take appropriate action to move forward.

I recently read about an interview on leadership lessons that Head Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski completed with the Dean of Duke University’s business school, Bill Boulding. I believe it offers some great lessons for each of us, so I am passing its highlights along to you in this blog. After winning five national championships in his 40 years at Duke, Coach K probably can provide us with some excellent guidelines.

Recently, I’ve had an opportunity to do some thinking about what tactics have really helped me to be more successful, and perhaps more resourceful, in my own business. One of the techniques that I have found to be very beneficial is what I call “These Three Things.”

Recently, I’ve had numerous conversations with producers who, to varying degrees, have expressed their disappointment with the smaller than expected payout from the Federal Dairy Price Relief Program. I can completely empathize with them. However, my suggestion to all of them is that, although it would have been a genuine “shot in the arm” for all producers, it’s time to move forward. We can all spend time complaining about it, but will we gain anything? I doubt it. In fact, our time will be better spent developing future courses of action for your business.

I always find it interesting to visit with various business people and discuss the challenges they are currently having with regard to running their operations. One of the most common discussion points I have had with many producers revolves around how their cash flow results compare with others.