People matter. The resounding theme of the 2021 Carthage Veterinary Service Swine Health and Production Conference was not to overlook the importance of who works hard day-in and day-out on the farm to make things happen.
“Show up. Show them you care. Show up with an intent to accomplish something,” Rob Brenneman, an Iowa pig farmer, shared during his keynote address. He emphasized the importance of making sure employees know they are a priority and that what they do makes a difference.
Here are some more quotable moments from this year’s event:
“Our industry reality is pigs are easy. People are hard. So, where are you spending your time?”
-Twyla Stevens, Carthage System, in “HR Realties in the Current Swine Industry”
“We all have strengths and weaknesses. Why are our expectations for employees different than for ourselves? Caring for people leads to people who care for pigs.”
-Jose Santiago, Tosh Farms, in “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize – Maintaining Focus and Direction to Win in Pig Production”
“You can have the best nutrition diet, but it doesn’t work without the employee who delivers the right amount every day.”
-Bernardo Andrade Villegas, DVM, Carthage System, in “Empowering the TN Visa Network”
People like to work for people who promote and develop. It’s part of what they want. They will give you more when you promote and develop them.”
-Shaun McGinn, Carthage System, in “Retention – Employee Training and Certification Programs”
“Culture is not one-size-fits-all. So discuss it. Assess and measure it. Involve leaders to be a part of improving the culture. Allow people to make mistakes and grow from them. Communicate!”
-Kerry Sweeney, Iowa Select Farms, in “Creating a Successful Leadership Culture”
“How do you really have all hands on deck? You listen.”
-Mel Roth, Carthage System, in “Retention – Onboarding”
“It is hard to leave your family behind. It has a high cost. It’s a big decision. We explain every single thing they need to know.”
-Nancy Perez Arroyo, Carthage System, in “Empowering the TN Visa Network”
“Having everyone on the same plan is even more critical when lacking labor, time or resources.”
-Benjamin Stajkowski, Carthage Farm, in “Running an Effective Morning Meeting”
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