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Generation Next

GenerationNext is a series of seminars, hosted by Farm Credit East, designed to advance your management skills and business knowledge. Each seminar includes group discussions, idea sharing and networking opportunities.

In addition to each seminar, you’ll receive a self-paced, computer-based course that supports the skills covered by the program, as well as a take-home portfolio with handouts and worksheets.

GenerationNext seminars are typically offered during the winter months.

Click here for our 2018-19 seminar series.

Who should attend?

GenerationNext is optimal for producers, ages 20 to 35, who will be the next generation operators of a family business.

This program can help you:

  • Identify areas for personal growth and development
  • Acquire tools to help manage an agricultural business
  • Network with other young industry leaders

Sample Agenda

Day 1: Becoming a better boss, coach and mentor

  • Leadership
  • Team building
  • Effective communication
  • Problem Solving

Day 2: Using financial records to manage and develop business goals

  • Interpreting and understanding financial records
  • Using financials to test and achieve goals
  • Budgets
  • Inventory management
  • Capital investment

Day 3: The third seminar is tailored to each participant group. Possible topics include:

  • Customer service
  • Marketing
  • Pricing
  • Risk management
  • Dealing with change
  • Business plans

Interested in attending a GenerationNext seminar?

Contact your local branch office or send us an email to let us know.

 
F.A.Q.
  • I’m new to agriculture. Will I be able to keep up with the discussions?
    GenerationNext is more about the dollars and cents aspects of ag businesses than about plants or cows. You can expect intermediate or college-level instruction, but no prior knowledge of financial terms is necessary.
  • I’m on a budget. Is the program worth the investment of my time and money.
    Good management separates top performing farms from those that fall behind. This course will give you the tools to manage your business profitably. Past participants speak highly of the program, but investing is a decision that only you can make.
  • I’m an experienced manager. Will I benefit?
    Experienced managers can also benefit from a refresher course, even if you have a college degree or years of management experience. You will pick up valuable insights from our farm business consultants as well as from your GenerationNext colleagues in the class.
  • When and how long are the seminars?
    Seminars take place over a period of three months, one per month, and are generally held in the fall or early winter. They run from 9:30 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m.; lunch and refreshments are included. Check with your local Farm Credit East branch office for specific dates in your area.
  • Do I need a special computer or software?
    In addition to seminars, we supply the GenerationNext computer course on a flash drive. The course runs on a PC or Mac computer and works with most web browsers. No special software, Internet access or specialized computer skills are necessary. It is helpful to be familiar with Microsoft Excel, but not necessary.
View From The Field
"GenerationNext helps us to keep ahead of the curve."
Stepping into a New Role

David and Kevin Bittner have agriculture in their DNA as well as parents who are dedicated to helping them cultivate that inclination. Both brothers are becoming more involved in the operation of Singer Farms, the family’s 500-acre apple, tree fruit and U-Pick cherry business.

While the brothers are specialists in agricultural system management and horticulture, they are not yet experts in agribusiness management. When it comes to the financial end of their family’s business, the Bittners looked for help in learning how to strategically manage their diverse operation.

How we helped

The GenerationNext program offered by Farm Credit East is available for young operators, like David and Kevin, who are either middle-managers or managers of a farm or ag business. Through three seminars, group discussions and ample networking opportunities, the program allowed the Bittners to target areas of personal growth and acquire the tools they needed to be more effective managers.

“GenerationNext definitely provided me with information on how to be a good manager,” said David. “Now we can show employees an analysis of their benefits, like housing, utilities and insurance, and the amount of income they would need to make working for someone else in order to make up for those benefits.”

“By making use of our financial data, I can make decisions that are justifiable, rather than based on emotion,” said David. “For example, by using partial budgeting, I can show the justification for buying a new tractor using the numbers, including the cost of repair for an old tractor and the number of hours that the mechanic could be working on another piece of equipment.”

We recommend GenerationNext to young farmers who want to further themselves professionally, as well as in their businesses.
-Kevin & David Bittner
Singer Farms
Appleton, New York
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