POW Title: Operating Agri-Food Systems for Profitability and Sustainability

Managers in our agri-food system face an increasingly complex array of managerial tasks and decisions. Increased economic globalization and a reduced role of government in the agricultural sector have led to increases in the price risk faced by agri-food system businesses. Consumers now have a greater interest and stake in agricultural practices through environmental and food safety regulation. Rapidly changing technology, production alternatives, and labor supply situations increase the number and complexity of the daily and strategic decisions agri-food system managers must address. In order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing business environment, agri-food system managers must possess adequate business skills to acquire necessary information, make rational economic decisions, and chart strategy for their businesses.

SUB POW: 1.A.1. Business Skills

Objective: 1.A.1.1. Participants will adopt skills that enhance labor management practices for their business.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

1. Number of participants in Human Resource Management Training.
2. Number indicating adoption of at least one of the practices discussed in training.

Objective: 1.A.1.2. Participants will adopt and use basic business management skills including:

• Accurate record-keeping/accounting
• Financial statement generation and analysis
• Sound credit management practices
• Business organizational structure
• Management strategies, i.e., mission statements, goal setting, etc.
• Tax management and preparation

  Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

1. Number of participants in business management training.
2. Number indicating adoption of at least one of the practices discussed in training.

Objective: 1.A.1.3. Participants will be able to explain, install, and adopt appropriate information technology for their business.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

1. Number of participants in training or information sessions associated with information technology.
2. Number indicating adoption or upgrade of at least one new form of information technology.

SUB POW: 1.A.2. Improving the Ability of PA Producers to Understand and Use Marketing Systems

Objective: 1.A.2.1. Participants will be able to identify existing, new, and/or potential markets for their products and services and understand the forces that determine prices in those markets.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

1. Number of participants in marketing management training.
2. Number who adopt new marketing strategies or who show willingness to adopt if conditions dictate.

Objective: 1.A.2.2. Participants will use marketing methods to sustain or increase market share and/or price received.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

1. Number of participants in training or information sessions associated with marketing methods.
2. Number who change marketing methods or who explore new methods.

SUB POW: 1.A.3. Strategies to Enhance Agribusiness Competitiveness

Objective: 1.A.3.1. Participants will use sound financial-planning skills to prepare for transitions within their business, i.e., retirements, sales, transfers, etc.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

1. Number of participants in training and information sessions on planning farm transitions.
2. Number who indicate they are in a position to begin planning a transition or number who are using information from training to plan.

Objective: 1.A.3.2. Participants will use decision support systems, i.e., consultation teams, computer software, benchmarking, etc. to improve business management decisions.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

1. Number of participants attending training on decision support tools.
2. Number adopting or using decision support tools.

Objective: 1.A.3.3. Participants will be able to explain and adopt risk management strategies to protect profitability and sustainability.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

1. Number attending training on risk management.
2. Number adopting new risk management strategies.

Objective: 1.A.3.4. Participants will understand the impact of current and emerging policies and regulations on their business.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

1. Number attending training or informational sessions on policies or regulations.
2. Number who have expressed an understanding of policy or regulation by affecting change in their operation.

Objective: 1.A.3.5. Participants will identify and adopt strategic business plans appropriate to their goals, i.e., expansion, diversification, specialization, integration, internal organization, etc.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

1. Number attending training or information sessions on developing business plans.
2. Number indicating they had developed or altered a business plan as a result of training.

Objective: 1.A.3.6. Participants will recognize the opportunities and challenges associated with value-added industries.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

1. Number attending training or information sessions on value-added industries.
2. Number indicating they have inquired about entering these industries or have begun to market value-added products.

POW Titles || POW 1A Resources || POW 1A Audiences