For nearly three decades, Feed & Grain’s Manager’s Notebook column has been a go-to resource for feed mill and grain elevator managers seeking practical advice on leadership, marketing, strategic planning and more. Its distinguished authors — Dr. John Foltz, Dr. Jay Akridge, Dr. Joan Fulton and Dr. Christine Wilson — bring their experience in agricultural economics and animal science education and research to each column, encouraging readers to sharpen their skillsets and challenge their perspectives on management topics.
This wealth of knowledge now reaches a wider audience through the Manager’s Library, a new collaboration between Purdue University and The Ohio State University. Select Managers Notebook columns will be re-published in the Manager’s Library as extension resources, available on these leading agricultural institutions’ websites.
The curated collection includes thought-provoking articles that are useful in directing, controlling and managing a farm or agribusiness operation, covering topics such as:
- Valuable habits for effective managers
- Evaluating corporate board structures
- Navigating inflation in the agricultural sector
- Integrating new technologies in traditional settings
- Enhancing customer service in the agribusiness sector
Manager's Library's goal is not only to preserve valuable insights from the columns, but also to breathe new life into them. Each republished piece will be updated by rising faculty members from OSU or Purdue University, ensuring the content remains relevant and incorporates the latest research and findings.
The joint initiative between OSU's Farm Financial Management and Policy Institute (FFMPI) and Purdue University's Center for Food and Agricultural Business also aims to advance partnerships between academic institutions and industry experts.
The FFMPI engages university academic units, extension and industry partner experts to integrate, translate, communicate, and apply research-based knowledge and best practices in ag marketing, ag finance, ag production and risk management, and ag policy and law.
Purdue’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business helps shape food and agribusiness industry leaders by providing professional development experiences, advanced degree programs and applied research for the industry.
As Manager’s Library moves forward, we invite our readers to gain new insights and advice on meeting the management challenges and opportunities of today. We’re proud to see Manager’s Notebook continue its legacy and guide the next generation of agribusiness professionals.
Recommended Manager’s Notebook reading:
- The case for prioritizing middle management support — Studies show large corporations that focus on middle managers’ development turn higher profits.
- Is artificial intelligence the new ‘calculator’ for agribusinesses? — The technology is quickly becoming a tool that businesses can’t afford to go without.
- Building your human talent pipeline — Where to find the best people to ensure your company continues to thrive in the future.
- Managing feed and grain businesses during high inflation — Challenging operating environment calls for strategies centered on efficiency, proactive debt management and long-term planning.
- Big crop coming: Managing turning points — How to identify and meet customers’ needs under changing market conditions.
