July2024 - Journal FINAL - Flipbook - Page 13
Business
Welcoming
NEW TEAM MEMBERS
Giovanna Penuelas
FarmTeam Coordinator
Pipestone Business
Giovanna grew up in San Luis Huexotla, a small rural community
in Texcoco, State of Mexico, Mexico. She obtained a Doctorate
in Veterinary from Murcia University in Spain in 2005 and brought
her experience to PIPESTONE in August 2022. She is currently the
FarmTeam Coordinator for Pipestone Business.
Running a family farm comes with unique challenges,
especially when managing employee relationships.
Whether your team consists of family members or
outside hires, selecting the right person within your
operation to manage employees is crucial. They do
not need know every detail about the operation; in
fact, they might not even have farm experience. What
matters are their communication skills, attitude, and
leadership qualities. A manager9s ability to connect
with and motivate team members often outweighs farm
expertise.
Here are a few things to remember when welcoming
new team members:
Make Introductions. Make time for introductions.
Learn about them, introduce yourself and your team,
and share your farm9s values and culture. Establishing a
personal connection from the start sets a positive tone.
When employees feel acknowledged and valued from
day one, they are more likely to integrate smoothly.
Outline Clothing Guidelines. Provide clear
guidelines on appropriate work attire. Don9t assume
they know what to wear for farm tasks. Specify the types
of clothing and protective gear needed for different
tasks to ensure safety and comfort.
Clarify Biosecurity Guidelines. Failing is not
an option. Provide regular training sessions to keep
everyone up-to-date on best practices and new health
protocols. Be sure to inspect what you expect.
Provide a Farm Orientation. Give your new
employee a guided tour of your farm. It may be helpful
to hop in the truck and drive to the various barn sites
that will be his/her responsibility. Outline the most
efocient and/or biosecure routes to travel.
Deone Work Schedules. Be explicit about work
hours and ensure team members know how to log
them accurately. Providing a structured schedule helps
maintain a balance between productivity and rest,
reducing burnout and increasing job satisfaction.
Create Clear Expectations. Clearly deone farm
goals. Understanding their personal goals can also
help align their interests with farm objectives. When
employees know what is expected of them, they can
work more conodently and efociently. Regularly review
expectations to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Outline Farm Vehicle Use. Set clear expectations
for the use of farm vehicles, including fueling, parking,
and required maintenance protocols. Proper training on
vehicle use can prevent accidents and ensure that all
equipment is well-maintained.
Use Communication Tools. Effective communication
is essential for everyone to understand important
instructions and updates. Language barriers should not
be an excuse for poor communication. Utilize tools like
cell phones, translation apps, or visual aids to bridge the
gap. Find the methods that work best for your team and
implement them consistently.
Teach Farm Safety. Take time to provide detailed
training on how to operate and maintain farm and
livestock equipment. Specioc training might include
approved methods for operating a skid loader, working
with augers, troubleshooting heaters and electric
motors, and safely climbing a feed bin. The safe way is
the only way!
Use an Organizational Chart. Deone roles and
responsibilities clearly and share with your team. Even
with a hierarchy, ensure open lines of communication
with all employees. Regular check-ins with team
members at all levels can help address issues before
they escalate.
Remember, the most valuable resource on the farm is
your human resources. Investing time in your employees
not only boosts their morale but also enhances the
overall productivity and success of your farming
operation.
13 | PIPESTONE JOURNAL
SUMMER 2024 | 13
