Better Decisions
Better Decisions: Good time management can help your business- and your health
Taking care of the time stealers and developing your time management skills are key to a successful farming operation and a happy family life
by GARY MAWHINEY
How often have you heard the phrase, “When you need a job done, get a busy man?”
Better Decisions: Understanding the rules that govern your workplace
Being aware of your rights and obligations under these key pieces of legislation makes good business for all producers employing workers on their farms
by GARY MAWHINEY
Many farmers today can recall when there were very few regulations or guidelines that one had to follow in order to be a successful producer.
Better Decisions: Five steps to a sound human resource plan
Take the trouble to do a needs assessment, proper job descriptions, and an employee handbook. Only then is it time to set about hiring and recruiting
by GARY MAWHINEY
A human resource plan is one of the major components of an overall business plan in today’s modern farming operation.
Ask any producer what his input costs are and he or she will be quick to quote accurate figures on fertilizer, fuel and various other costs. Most farmers know that the cost of labour can be large, but few realize that labour costs can be controlled.
Better Decisions: In bad times, good management is your most important asset
Good communications with your staff, good planning and a positive attitude take on additional importance when the going gets tough
Better Decisions: How to make yourself into an employer of choice
If you do a few simple things and stick to a tried and tested formula, your chances of becoming a place where people really want to work are excellent
by GARY MAWHINEY
Have you ever wondered why your neighbour never seems to have any trouble finding good, reliable workers? Or why he never has much employee turnover and, even in a tight labour market, always has a large number of applicants for any position he has to offer?
Better Decisions: Take the time to do proper performance evaluations with your staff
Open communication and feedback with employees will greatly enhance your chances of success
by GARY MAWHINEY
One of the most difficult tasks faced by a manager or supervisor faces is evaluating staff and providing feedback to their employees.
Better Decisions: Does an incentive plan have a place in your business?
by GARY MAWHINEY
For several years, producers have been looking for ways to provide their workers with an incentive-based pay scale. The mostly commonly used form, particularly in the seasonal operations, has been the bonus system whereby a worker received extra pay just for completing the season.
But people employed in supervisory positions on horticulture farms have been seeing something different in the past few years.
