Future of Agriculture Future of Agriculture 138: Becoming a Farm CEO with Dick Wittman
Dick Wittman is the Founder of Wittman Consulting, a company dedicated to training consultants who can help family farm businesses in transitional processes and agricultural finance. Dick is a former manager and the current board chair for a 20,000-acre family farm located in Idaho. He has an extensive farming and ranching background in crops, cattle, and timber. He holds a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Idaho and a Master’s degree from the University of Utah. Currently, he focuses on public speaking and running Train-the-Trainer workshops, expanding the international resource base of agricultural consultants for family-owned businesses.
Dick joins me today to share why it’s important for family farm owners to adopt the “Farm CEO” mindset. He explains why family farm managers need to operate more like executives and how they can change their mindset to function at an executive level. He also shares the skills that are required today to better manage family farm businesses and the importance of being able to adapt your organization to market changes in order to to ensure future success.
“Most farmers get into farming to grow things, but if they are going to succeed, then they need to be skilled in finance, marketing, and human relations.” - Dick Wittman
This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:
- How Dave got into the consulting side of the agricultural business.
- The common areas for improvement and management disciplines seen in the typical family farm.
- The background of The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers (TEPAP).
- The downturn in the economic market and recognizing that businesses need to change and be optimized.
- The quick wins that can get results and creating a to-do list of the low-hanging fruit.
- Using the resources out there and adapting them to your operation.
- The Train-the-Trainer seminars for consulting professionals.
- The agricultural outlook and the opportunities to re-engineer your business.
- How to use data management to make strategic changes and improve your bottom line.
- Staying ahead through diversification and analysis of value-added resources.
Key Takeaways:
- Strive to achieve excellence in all areas of your business.
- Adapt existing resources for your operation.
- Use data to make strategic business realignments.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Dick Wittman:
- Wittman Consulting
- Building Effective Farm Management Systems
- Train-the-Trainer Seminar
- Email: dwittman@lewiston.com
This episode is sponsored by: Granular - Manage Your Farm with Confidence
Granular is an agriculture software company dedicated to building stronger, more profitable farms. Since 2014, Granular has become a leader in developing web and mobile apps grounded in advanced data science technology to help farmers make data-driven, real-time business and agriculture decisions with greater confidence.
To learn more about how Granular’s digital solutions can help you better manage your farm, visit Granular.ag.
2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30
Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories:
- Agribusiness
- Production Agriculture
- Research & Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- Education & Advocacy
Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted.
Winners will be announced March 2019.
To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag
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The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.
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