MANAGEMENT

Interest rates are on the rise. Through the course of 2018, the Bank of Canada raised rates three times. In this environment, it’s important to remember interest rates are still historically low. To provide a bit of context, in August of 1981 the Bank of Canada overnight rate was sitting near 21 percent.

Video games, participation ribbons and obscene amounts of time spent on social media don’t develop work ethic, instill values or build self-esteem. But showing cattle can do all that and more to prepare adolescents and teens for the world ahead.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are defined as measurable values that demonstrate how effectively a business meets its objectives. They help managers evaluate how their dairies are doing at given points in time. KPIs are also essential in helping each employee understand what is important to the success of his or her job.

One outcome of being profitable is paying tax – especially in a farming context where cash-basis accounting is the norm. There are many different tax plans to choose from, and the key to a successful one is ensuring it fits your business and family needs first, then determining the most tax-efficient plan.

Milk quality is always an important issue. We all know adherence to a good milking routine, including clean teat ends, proper stimulation, prompt identification of clinical mastitis and accurate treatment are hallmarks of a good milk quality program. But how do we make sure milkers have the knowledge to do this right and the motivation to keep doing it?

Health and safety – what do they mean to you? Boring training? One meeting a year that is never talked about again? A “legal” obligation? Or perhaps it’s someone telling you how to do your job?