Resolutions swirl around us at this time of year. We resolve to pay more attention to our businesses by setting goals and planning how we will meet them. We make lists, calculate budgets, strategize marketing objectives, and, if all else fails, cross our fingers.
It is difficult to predict what will happen in the months ahead, but in the present there is one tool which helps clarify the path and may even suggest how we need to proceed. Starting by looking back may seem like traveling in the wrong direction, but outlining where you started and describing the journey can lead to some interesting and perhaps surprising insights. (more…)

I have a friend who just landed a very impressive job at one of the biggest companies in the country. I won’t name the business, but trust me — it’s a place that is a very big deal, that could set my friend up for life. He’ll have everything: a starting salary that is more than I’ll make by the time I retire, every benefit you can imagine (and some you could make up), an enviable 401K package, paid parental leave, even extra perks like a paid gym membership and daily meals provided. (more…)

Organic producers and handlers may apply for certification cost share reimbursements; expanded eligibility for transition and state certification cost
WASHINGTON, DC — On Dec. 21, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that starting March 20, 2017, organic producers and handlers will be able to visit over 2,100 USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices around the country to apply for federal reimbursement to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic or transitional certification. (more…)

The Christmas Tree Farmers Association of NY has announced that their 2017 Winter Convention will be held Jan. 26-28, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Binghamton, NY. The program kicks off on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. with an informal Taste of Binghamton reception in the exhibit hall. More than 20 vendors are expected to be present. (more…)

by Michael Wren
“Pests can be managed, they cannot be controlled,” said Dr. Lily Calderwood during a recent presentation. Dr. Calderwood, Cornell Cooperative Extension Commercial Horticulture Educator, explained different ways to implement insect pest management (IPM).
The first and most important task when undertaking successful pest management is to go out and look at your plants at least once a week — every species, every week. (more…)

What if every assumption or stereotype our culture has about millennials in the workforce just isn’t true? What if most millennials aren’t entitled overachievers who expect more than they are worth while doing less work than everyone else?
There have been countless studies regarding the millennial generation — some of which confirm the stereotypes — and we all have that one (or two, or a dozen) millennial in our life who lives up to our worst assumptions about the age group. This has made our culture to fear the worst and believe negative news that we would otherwise doubt. (more…)

Banker plants are those in which beneficial insects may reside, eat and reproduce even when there aren’t many pest insects to feed on. This is a key part in maintaining a successful integrated pest management system because without them the beneficial insects would leave once they accomplished their task. (more…)

The job description
by Sally Colby
When it comes to labor and hiring practices, attorney Anthony Raimondo knows what he’s talking about. Raimondo has extensive experience in agriculture law, and is an instructor on farm labor contractor licensing.
“Farming has always been a labor-intensive activity,” said Raimondo, who practices in California, “so you need employees. “What can you do at the start of the relationship (with employees) to protect against risk?” (more…)

by Kristen M. Castrataro
In some ways, making maple syrup is the simplest process in the world. You stick a spigot in a tree, hang a bucket from it, boil off the water, filter out the sediment and there you have it; the sweet nectar of the gods. It’s a process that requires no questioning, no redesigning, no tinkering. That is, of course, unless you are Charlie Chase of Charlie’s Sugar House in Coventry, Rhode Island. (more…)

by Michael Wren
Marketing is often seen as an expense that many small businesses don’t budget for, viewing it as an unnecessary expense and relying solely on word of mouth advertising or their storefront sign. While this will bring in some people many will never know of your business. However, even without a marketing budget there are many actions you can take to advertise your business and get people interested in coming. (more…)

Why most customer service isn’t as good as it could (or should) be and what you can do about it.
by Kate Zabriskie
“We need to improve our customer service. Get someone in here for an afternoon to fix these people.”
“We’re busy. I may be able to spare a couple of people for a few hours. Beyond that, we don’t have time for training.”
“I don’t get it. I send them to training with an expert consultant, and they seem as if they’re learning something. Then, after a few days, it’s back to the same old stuff. I want to scream.” (more…)

Agricultural tourism can be a mutually beneficial exchange between agriculturists and urban residents. It can help agriculturalists learn more about urban concerns, while enabling urban residents to learn about farming and enjoy nature. It can also increase farm income if a fee is charged for farm visits or if products are sold to visitors. (more…)

As the new calendar year approaches, it is wise to take the time to review your business plan and make the changes necessary for a successful season ahead. Just as important is to decide now how you will evaluate your goals and objectives to gauge results. This is how to begin and begin again, when the need arises. (more…)