Pennsylvania dairy producers can access a new tool to assess employee relations and development through the Dairy Decisions Consultant, or DDC, Program administered by the Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence.
“Dairy farm families invest a substantial amount of time and money into farm employees,” said John Frey, executive director of the center. “That investment can become costly if the business lacks an effective strategy for employee relations and human resource development.”
As a new consultant program option, farms can apply to receive professional consulting in employee development through the DDC program. Introduced in 2010, the program provides dairy farm owners and operators with professional consulting resources to help make decisions that will shape the future of their farms.
The two consultants designated as Dairy Decisions Consultants for Employees are:
Chris Barton, VMD – With 40 years of experience in dairy veterinary medicine with Lancaster Veterinary Associates, he conducts formal and informal employee, owner and management consulting for dairy farms throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.
David C. Welch, VMD, MBA – A dairy business consultant from White Oak Consulting in Berlin, Somerset County. He is experienced in developing and writing feasibility, business and human resource plans for expansions and startups.
The program covers the cost for dairy farm families and dairy farm business owners to visit with a consultant for a maximum of 15 hours, valued at $1,500, to evaluate the farm’s current business performance, financial condition and/or employee relations.
Producers must complete an application and provide a $250 application fee, which is returned if the application is not approved. They must demonstrate a need for unique consulting services and show a sincere interest in improving performance, financial position and/or employee relations.
Source: The Center for Dairy Excellence