Market News & Headlines >> Brock Consultant Katie Hancock's Blog: For Successful Farms, It's Not All In the Family

Insights from Brock Associates Consultant Katie Hancock

People connect with family farms. They consciously or subconsciously think a family farm is more sustainable and trustworthy than a non-family operation. I do not agree with this. To me, the culture of a business’s team is what makes it the best. 

Managers hire like-minded people. It’s not necessarily personality-based, but more about choosing those that share similar principles. When hiring someone, you are drawn to those that think the same. Similarly, employees look for businesses that reflect their values too. 

Just like children follow in the footsteps of their parents, co-workers pick up and share similar habits from each other. If one person is adamant about picking up trash on the ground, others will do the same. This principle along with similar values translates into the way in which the community, environment, livestock, and land are cared for.

I do not have children, nor do I have blood relatives in my business. Just because I did not have the exact same upbringing as my coworkers and husband doesn’t mean we don’t share similar values. I consider my business a family business that includes everyone—not only my husband. 

A business may not include any relatives at all, but can still share family-like values. A business culture starts with a like-minded group and is developed based on habits of the group. It’s a relationship based on goodwill and purpose. As farms grow in size, the family aspects and environmental responsibilities don’t have to disappear.

Email Katie at [email protected]