Why Employer Branding Isn’t Just for Big Companies

Employer branding is often misunderstood as something only large corporations need to worry about, but that assumption leaves many small and mid-sized companies at a disadvantage. Every company has an employer brand, whether they actively shape it or not. In industries like agriculture, where reputation and relationships are everything, how your business is perceived as… Read more »

Building Credibility as a Young Professional in Agriculture

Agriculture is an industry built on legacy. Many operations are multi-generational. Relationships span decades. Decisions are often shaped by experience earned through seasons of drought, market volatility, and hard lessons in the field. For young professionals entering the ag industry, this reality can feel both inspiring and intimidating. You may bring strong education, fresh ideas,… Read more »

How Agricultural Leaders Can Build Stronger, More Unified Teams Across Generations

Walk into almost any agricultural business today—whether it’s an ag retail operation, seed dealership, equipment manufacturer, livestock operation, or family-owned farm—and you’ll likely find four generations working side by side. A Baby Boomer sales manager. A Gen X operations leader. A Millennial agronomist. A Gen Z precision ag specialist. Each generation brings unique strengths, expectations,… Read more »

How Leaders Can Offer a Non-Anxious Presence During Times of Emotional Regression in the Workplace

Every workplace experiences seasons of uncertainty. Market shifts, leadership transitions, economic pressure, organizational restructuring, and even rapid growth can create stress that ripples through a team. During these moments, something interesting, and often challenging, can happen. People who are normally calm, collaborative, and solution-focused may begin reacting emotionally, defensively, or fearfully. Productivity may drop, communication… Read more »

When It Makes Sense to Partner with an Ag Specialty Recruiter

Hiring in agriculture has never been simple — and lately, it’s become even more complex. Between evolving technology, tighter labor markets, generational turnover, and the specialized skill sets now required across agronomy, equipment, seed, livestock, precision ag, and ag tech, finding the right person is no longer a quick job-posting exercise. According to Jordan Morris,… Read more »

Your 2026 Ag Hiring Plan: How to Build a Workforce Strategy Before the Season Starts

Knowing What to Pay Employees Is Key in Today's Climate Morris Bixby

In agriculture, timing is everything. You plan months—sometimes years—ahead for planting, equipment, inputs, and markets. Yet when it comes to hiring, many ag operations still find themselves reacting at the last minute, scrambling to fill critical roles once the season is already underway. As labor shortages continue to challenge the agriculture industry, waiting until you… Read more »

Time-to-Hire vs. Quality-of-Hire

In today’s landscape, hiring leaders are asked to balance two competing priorities: speed and impact. On one hand, a fast time-to-hire is essential for keeping production moving, reducing downtime, and staying competitive. On the other hand, quality-of-hire is often the single biggest predictor of long-term productivity, retention, and cultural alignment. They’re connected—but not equal. Understanding… Read more »

What High-Performing Teams Have in Common (and How to Hire for It)

Every organization wants a high-performing team – but building one takes far more than simply hiring skilled individuals. It’s about creating a group of people who work toward a common purpose, complement each other’s strengths, communicate effectively, and hold one another accountable for results. In today’s agriculture and agribusiness landscape – where success often hinges… Read more »

How to Identify Core Competencies Needed for Your Open Role

When you have a role to fill, it’s tempting to move quickly and focus on surface-level requirements like years of experience or specific technical skills. While those factors matter, the real key to hiring someone who will succeed long term lies in identifying the core competencies needed for the position. These are the foundational skills,… Read more »

Is Your Interview Process Costing You Great Candidates?

In today’s highly competitive job market, top candidates don’t stay available for long. If your interview process is slow, disorganized, or confusing, you could be unintentionally pushing away the very talent you’re hoping to attract. A flawed interview experience is more than just a missed opportunity – it can damage your employer brand and hurt… Read more »