Stories by Julia Nolan Woodruff

(Julia Nolan Woodruff is an OSU extension educator in Ashland County.)

A public relations plan is needed now more than ever for every farm

Thursday, February 18, 2010 by Julia Nolan Woodruff

Have you thought about developing a public relations plan for your farm? As we look at the challenges facing agriculture, topping the list today is the Humane Society of the US (HSUS) and their attempt to place an issue on the November 2010 ballot.
It will take the help of all farmers to help spread […]

Addressing difficult issues on the farm

Thursday, September 24, 2009 by Julia Nolan Woodruff

You may not be listed as the farm’s primary operator, but as a partner in the operation you may have to be the voice that begins the conversation about the future of the operation.
Many times this is a difficult conversation, as it can involve topics such as financial viability, transition of management and control […]

Who will manage your farm tomorrow?

Thursday, July 17, 2008 by Julia Nolan Woodruff

It’s never too early to start thinking about who will take over your farm’s management responsibilities.

Farmers: Don’t be victims of stress

Thursday, May 15, 2008 by Julia Nolan Woodruff

It’s that busy time a year, when trying to get the crops planted and worrying about getting the first cutting of hay off is weighing heavily on every farmer’s mind.

This seasonal stress is added to the already existing stress of keeping up with all the day-to-day activities. Along with these “normal seasonal” and “day-to-day” stressors, […]

Dairy Excel: Attract, then keep good employees

Thursday, March 6, 2008 by Julia Nolan Woodruff

After you have gone through the recruitment and hiring process, how do you develop a working relationship that will encourage your employees to stay with your farm for the long term?
This is a question that all businesses struggle with today, as the younger generations are projected to change careers six to seven times over their […]

Resolve to get farm finances in order

Thursday, January 3, 2008 by Julia Nolan Woodruff

With the new year upon us, now is a great time to make those yearly resolutions to get the farm financial records organized.

Everyone needs a little motivation

Thursday, June 28, 2007 by Julia Nolan Woodruff

This is the time of year there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get all the work on a dairy farm accomplished.