Leadership in the Agricultural Industry

 Why leadership is so important in the agricultural industry ?

The typical user has never been further away from the entrance to the farm. Nevertheless, market demand for food supplies has risen exponentially. Concerns about sustainable and environmentally friendly production are growing. At the same time customer preference and the high profile emphasis on "healthier" choices coincide and clash.

We would argue that there is simply not a broad enough understanding of the dynamics of farm management today. The farm used to be mom and pop, with the children living off the property. They just had to think about manufacturing. Now it's a multi-million dollar enterprise where you need to have all of a top flight general manager's expertise in finance, human resources, operations, sales and marketing, transport and logistics and technology. In the past decade, the quantity of agronomic data filtered and used in decision making has exploded. More problems regarding control and possession of this information have been created by fragmentation in data collection.

Government policy is currently being written by people who do not understand the needs of the farmer and the problems he faces. In designing a regulatory regime and adequately informing the customer, there is a need to adhere to science-based truth.

On leadership growth, we have a few suggestions:

1. In curriculum development, educational institutions should concentrate on the development and provide opportunities for practical experience.

2. Companies in the Ag sector could provide students and recent graduates with opportunities to experience sessions relevant to policy growth.

3. Students and the next generation of farmers may be brought into their working groups by Ag Organizations.

4. Consider advising the next generation to take on more responsibility as part of a farm shift, including probably taking over control or management of the operation, becoming involved in agricultural policy by joining an agricultural farmer association, board, or working group; it may be as important to have an advocacy plan for their farm as having an agronomy or financial plan.

The bottom line is that stronger leadership to create reputation and public trust among trade groups and umbrella organizations has never been more critical.

Important articles on leadership and influential people within the field:

https://foodtank.com/news/2019/03/25-food-and-agriculture-leaders-to-watch-in-2019/

https://www.wga.com/magazine/2020/01/14/12-agriculture-leaders-who-are-transforming-world

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/developing-the-leaders-you-need