Balanced Dairying: Production, Volume 19, Number 1, March 1996 Page: FRONT COVER
12 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Balanced Dat
GETTING READY FOR 1996
Robert B. Schwart, Jr., Danny A. Kleinfelter, James M. McGrann,
Michael A. Tomaszewski, and E. Max SudweeksThe dairy industry just experienced one of the worst
financial years in recent history. Producer milk prices
dropped more than 5% from a year earlier, while feed
prices jumped over 8%. Summer temperatures were the
highest in decades. Most of Texas is now short of
moisture, nearly eliminating winter grazing. Texas lost
129 producers and experienced a 1.78% drop in milk
production in 1995. Topping off all of this is
uncertainty about the new farm bill and potential
impacts of new dairy legislation.
Most industry watchers predict 1996 milk prices will
be higher than 1995. However, the increase won't
offset escalating feed prices. The impacts of the new
dairy legislation are expected to be milder than many
originally feared. Of course, this outlook doesn't mean-
dairy producers can operate the same as in the past. All
milk producers should prepare for another tight year.
Begin with an evaluation of your business management
style along with your financial and economic records.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE WAY YOU
MANAGE YOUR BUSINESS?
Follow the basic rule: Manage your dairy as if you are
a hired manager for a very particular owner. If you
blunder, he will fire you and give you no recommendation.Most of us are very forgiving of our own mistakes
and botched decisions, sometimes to the point of putting
ourselves out of business. However, most of us won't
tolerate bad management by a hired manager. If you
look at yourself as a hired manager, you may be more
critical of yourself and make better decisions.
Good managers do the following:
Set realistic goals. This bit of advice is nearly
always at the top of any "success" list. Little gets
accomplished without goals. Set realistic, attainable
ones. Keep in mind management ability and resources
available. Allow a reasonable time to achieve the goal.
Then, follow it closely to be sure time, effort and money
are leading you to the goal.
Keep a positive attitude. Remain positive about
what you're doing and about your industry. Look for
opportunities. Avoid being hindered by obstacles.
Be prepared. Many dairy producers, particularly
new producers, feel all they need are some cows and a
place to milk them. Some put together a few records to
show a loan officer. However, many dairy producers
learn as they go. This can be costly, resulting in under-
capitalization (not having enough money to operateEducational programs conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level. race. color, sex religion. handicap or national origin
The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Vol. 19, No. 1 March, 1996
Michael A. Tomaszewski Ellen R. Jordan E. Max Sudweeks Sandra R. Stokes
Extension Dairy Specialist Extension Dairy Specialist Extension Dairy Specialist Extension Dairy Specialist
College Station, TX Dallas, TX Overton, TX Stephenville, TX
409-845-5709 214-952-9212 903-834-6191 817-968-41471876
Texas Agricultural Extension Service
The Texas A&M University System
r *CTION
<S&9P
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas Agricultural Extension Service. Balanced Dairying: Production, Volume 19, Number 1, March 1996, periodical, March 1996; College Station, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1624366/m1/1/: accessed June 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.