Jon Zander, Agriculture Agent, Trempealeau County
Jenny Vanderlin, Assistant Director, Center for Dairy Profitability
University of Wisconsin-Extension

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Developed in 2003-2004 by UW-Extension’s Farm and Risk Management (FARM) Workgroup
Initial Grant from University of Wisconsin Dairy
Initiatives - USDA. Subsequent funding from: USDA
– North Central Regional Risk Management Education
Center.
Modeled from Ohio State University Program
Training from Ohio State University Staff

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Assess the Farm Management Skills of
Participants
Opportunity for Interaction with Other
Dairy Farm Managers
Provide Feedback to Improve
Management Skills
Initiate Strategies for Improvement

 To Help Select Qualified People for
Management Positions
 To Diagnose an Individual’s Work
Related Strengths and Weaknesses
 To Identify Areas of Need for
Improvement in Managerial and
Teamwork Skills

 Communications
 Planning & Organizing
 Leadership
 Teamwork
 Managing Resources
 Empathy
 Teamwork
 Initiative
 Creativity

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Background Interview
In-Basket
Case Study
Personnel Discussion

Group Discussions
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Non-Assigned
Roles
Assigned Roles

(Pre- and Post-Center)
Participant___________________________
Rating scale: 1=Poor; 2=Fair; 3=Average; 4=Very Good; 5=Excellent
Attribute Pre-Center Participation
Post-Center
Participation
Communications – the extent to which one can communicate orally, listen and respond effectively, or express effectively his/her ideas in writing.
Planning/Organizing – the process of establishing a course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a specific goal.

Enhanced Awareness of Managerial
Abilities?
“MAC makes you aware of your weak and strong points.” (3X)
“I realized that communication was my biggest issue to improve.”
“It made me more aware that I need to listen and be empathetic to employees.”

Changed Your Managerial Behavior?
 “I am better at talking to and confronting employees” (2X)
 “I delegate tasks better.” (6X)
 “I hold more employee meetings to get input.” (3X)
 “I don’t let things get to me as quick.”

General Comments:
“The Management Assessment Center could make or break a farm.”
“Important to see how others see you.”
“This report would carry as much weight to me as a loan officer as the farmer’s cash flow.”
“MAC nailed down who I am… I see my weaknesses and where to improve.”

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8 Centers Held to Date with a total of 67
Participants
Management Assessment Center for…
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Dairy Producers (45 participants)
UW College Students (12 participants)
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Agronomy Managers (10 participants)
???

Questions/Discussion?
Jon Zander
Agriculture Agent
Trempealeau County
Jon.zander@ces.uwex.edu
Jenny Vanderlin
Assistant Director
Center for Dairy Profitability jmvander@wisc.edu
http://cdp.wisc.edu/MAC.htm