Ramsey County

April 22, 2005

Howdy!!!!!!!
I am finding it very difficult to type this news column this morning as my shoulders are very sore from the yard work this last weekend.  Our front yard is starting to shape up with probably one weekend left of laying rock.  It really is fun to come up with a plan and employ that plan into something that is totally different than the neighbors have seen.  My wife and I are huge fans of garden lights and cement edging and our yard will indicate such. 

This last weekend also found me getting into a tractor for an afternoon.  That was great fun and hope I can do more of it this spring.  As I was traveling across the field, with the tractor, I couldn’t help but wonder how much this years crop will cost to put into the ground.  Canola will have different costs than some crops because of the need for specific nutrients namely; nitrogen and sulfur.  Costs could be in the high $30. per acre to $40 plus per acre.  With input costs like this take every precaution in proper application to eliminate any unnecessary expenses.

How is your Management Style????????
I read an interesting piece the other day and thought it fit for this publication.  Every spring the tension is high with the expectations of not only the spring planting season but the thoughts of the growing season ahead.  We do need to remember the folks that surround us and realize they are also a very integral part of our operation.  Every spring we have managers that have a very low turnover of employees while others might have a very high rate of turnover bringing us to these interesting thoughts:

Managers need good communication skills:  Top managers must function just as capable one-on-one as they do in a group setting.  Even more important is the ability to communicate both up and down the chain.  Everybody needs quality time with one another.

He never hunts alone:  This means when a manager works with his employees, the organization is always in the framework of decision making.  These little things instill pride in the workforce because everyone is working toward a common goal.

Confidence:  A confident manager has no problem delegating or letting employees determine how they want to accomplish certain tasks.  No one likes the boss looking over their shoulder.  If the manager is confident in his own abilities, it’s easier for him to take pride in the accomplishments of others.

Consistency:  Managers who are consistent don’t play favorites or make pet employees.  That’s the easiest way to alienate the rest of the workforce.  Employees also need to know that if an eight-man work crew is two workers short, the manager helps out, every time, regardless of the weather or the task.  That is how you build loyalty.

Curiosity:  Managers who are curious don’t get stale.  They are willing to learn something new, whether it comes from a book or from an EMPLOYEE.

Managing labor is one of the most difficult jobs a farm producer has.  Your face some real tough personnel management issues with your hired labor.  The thing to remember is that these employees have to work long hours for lower pay; they must work in bad weather conditions at times; they face jobs that are often repetitious tedious or boring; they have to work with family members; they could leave at any time and countless other factors.  SO how or what is you management style or skills?

Equine Spring Fling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This Saturday (April 30) we will hold our first annual equine spring fling.  The day will start at 9:30 with Dr. Kevin Sedivec (NDSU Extension Rangeland Management specialist) talking about your pastures and how to best utilize your pasture for your horse herd.  We will follow with a 4-H club demonstrating a specific 4-H horse show event.  Dr. Gail Carlson will visit about equine dentistry and will also visit with you about proper saddle fitting the horse.  Lunch will be available for you all day long.  After lunch break another 4-H club will demonstrate another clinic.  Dr. Charlie Stoltenow will visit with you about equine health.  After Dr. Charlies visit another 4-H club will demonstrate another event and we will conclude the day with a visit from a feed rep on the different concentrates available to the equine owners.  There will be a $5 fee for the full day of events, to defray the building rent and advertising.

Looking for pasture!!!!!
We have people looking for pasture to rent.  If you have pasture available to rent please call our office at 701-662-7027.

 Calendar Dates!!!!!!    

            April 27             Livestock Ethics Video (Armory)
            April 30             First Annual Equine Spring Fling
            June 7,8,9         Tractor Safety School
            June 25             4-H Achievement Day Horse Show
            June 28,29        Achievement Days
 

524 4th Ave NE #5, 2nd Floor Ramsey County Courthouse
Devils Lake  ND  58301
701-662-7027
email - ramsey@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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