Have you had your fill?

By Shelly Mayer, PDPW Executive Director

This time of year can be especially hectic, with fall field work added to the normal work load and stresses of our business. Throw in kids' busy homework and sports schedules, and you might eventually find yourself running on empty.

When we get physically tired, we might be able to borrow from our “reserve tanks”—working smarter or mustering up the sheer will to keep going. This will work for awhile, but you know what? Eventually all three tanks—body, mind and spirit—will run empty.

I have the pleasure of working with hundreds of dairy producers in this great industry we all share. Our farm businesses come in so many shapes and sizes, yet without exception, each dairy producer feels pulled by many responsibilities, challenges and industry issues. My wish for each dairy producer is that they take care of themselves first . That's because your dairy's success begins with YOU .

YOU are worth the extra time it takes to be safe around the farm, to eat right and to get enough rest. No one can do this for you, and your family needs you to be safe and healthy. So fuel your body with healthy choices for the long haul.

YOU are worth the time you put into your development as a professional dairy producer. You might think you don't have time to attend an educational program or network with other producers, but can you afford NOT to? You may be the hardest worker in your profession, but if you do not take time to challenge your thinking or explore new ways of approaching your work, you will eventually burn out. I've seen it happen, and it's not pretty. It leaves us terribly vulnerable, as individuals and as an industry. It's simply not possible for our industry to sustain itself if we allow this to happen to our people.

So how will you fill your cup? Your professional development organization PDPW has a program line-up as diverse as our industry itself. There's something for everyone coming up:

• Blogging 101, October 7 —Ever wonder how to make your dairy story visible to the world? Learn more at this one-day workshop.
   
• Calf Care Connection, October 12 & 13 —Even the most seasoned calf care providers will be challenged at these one-day workshops in Chilton and Eau Claire.
   
• Youth Leadership Derby , November 6-7 —Know a student age 15-18 who might have interest or aptitude for a dairy career? This fast-paced and fun learning adventure is designed to whet the appetites of anyone curious or interested in the dairy industry.
   
• The Middle Manager, November 17 —Your management style does matter to everyone around you. Be at the top of your game all the time, so you can bring out the best in everyone around you. Isn't that worth a day's time off the farm?
   
• Profit Symposium: Focusing on Dairy Financial Management, December 9-10 —This two-day seminar will teach you how to sharpen your pencil and put your financial management skills to the test as you build a stronger, more sustainable business.
   
• Manager's Academy, January 18-20 —Fill up your body, mind and spirit in beautiful Albuquerque , New Mexico in January. This three-day executive-level training is for CEO-minded individuals looking to improve skills and gather ideas that help them lead, create and manage a successful business.

You can find more programs and registration information at www.pdpw.org.

These programs are developed by your fellow dairy producers, so they are sure to meet you where you're at today, then launch your thinking way beyond your expectations. Like no other organization, PDPW has a way of consistently doing that--not because of anything we as a staff do (although I'm privileged to work with the best staff around!). This spontaneous energy just naturally occurs when you bring dairy producers together to share ideas, solutions and experiences. It's what PDPW is all about.

This commentary appeared on September 23, 2010 in Agri-View and is posted here with permission.

COMMENTS? Please voice your opinion. Send an email to LeadersVoice@pdpw.org.