KOHL
-laborations
Commentary, wisdom, and perspectives from globally renowned agricultural economist, Dr. David M. Kohl.
Mindset:
The Competitive Edge At a recent conference, I had an engaging and enjoyable lunch with a large animal veterinarian in his eighth decade of life. Similar to many other large animal veterinarians who provide services to our family dairy, his opinions are based off many facets of life and experiences from interacting with agriculture producers. However, he did strike a chord when discussing what he observed his successful customers did over the decades. The theme of our conversation was mindset and attitude. Recently, I also had the pleasure of engaging with a group of agricultural leaders representing all facets of the agriculture industry from production to agribusiness, education, and policy. What mindsets did these individuals bring to the table to be successful?
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One such mindset was that agricultural leaders need to be more transparent with the consumer, the public, and the general economy connecting with the agriculture industry. As the general public in the U.S. and abroad become more distant from the agriculture industry, transparency will
be increasingly important and challenging. Recent lawsuits against the agriculture industry by non-governmental organizations is only in its infancy. While connecting to those outside of agriculture is a challenge, it is also an opportunity for those that have the skills and can articulate and play an educational role in connecting with the majority of the population who are disconnected with agriculture. Participating in groups and making your voice heard by using technology and engaging with youth such as 4-H, FFA, and other leadership groups will be necessary with the public, government, and in all areas of life. A critical mindset will be to educate yourself on better ways to run the business. Complacency and getting into a rut are killer mindsets in business. Adaptability, embracing change, and more collaboration with individuals with a positive, but inquisitive attitude will be critical. One young person had a great quote, “No one ever lost money listening to an idea!�
