The Animal Science Monitor ‘Hot Link’
Everyone once in a while in The ASM, we like to include a link to a news article about a hot topic within the animal science or animal nutrition industries. This month, we’ve included a link to an article regarding a topic we explored in our last issue—that of wild horses.
In our June 17 issue, we ran an article titled “The Wild Horses of Assateague Island,” which detailed the continued existence of wild horses on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. (You can access that article by clicking here.)
Apparently, wild horses are currently a topic of heated debate in the western part of the country, specifically in the state of Nevada. Click here to find out what that debate is and how it may—or may not—be resolved.
And we’re always looking for new “Hot Links.” If you have an article you believe ASM readers would appreciate reading, be sure to send it to matt@animalsciencemonitor.com. Keep in mind that we reserve the right to screen all submittals prior to publication (but don’t let that stop you.)
Shifting Gears in a Challenging Market
(By Dan Simmons)
As anybody who’s driven a stick-shift knows, if you don’t shift gears, you’ll burn out your engine. The same rule applies to your team.
If you don’t allow your employees to shift gears, they’re going to burn out. And in today’s challenging marketplace, that’s the last thing you need.
Resist the temptation
I’m a borderline workaholic. At least I was, until a few years ago. That’s when I took what I thought would be a “once-in-a-lifetime” three-week vacation. I was amazed at how energized I was when I returned to work. I felt so good that my wife and I now block out three weeks a year during the summer months for vacation. In fact, I’m just now getting back from this year’s break, and as usual, I feel great.
So I understand the temptation that exists for those who want to forego a break and keep plowing ahead. This temptation is especially strong during economic conditions like the ones the country is currently enduring. You might be rationalizing that you can’t take a break or that you can’t afford to, and neither can anybody in your department. That rationale, while appearing logical, is actually detrimental to the long-term health and well-being of not only your business, but your employees, as well.
There are nearly countless reasons why you should ensure that your employees take the vacation time they need (notice I didn’t say “want”), but in the interests of time, I’m going to list a few of the most important ones.
- More productivity—Yes, taking time off will make you more productive, something to which I can personally attest. Even if an employee loves their job, they need to get away from it every once in a while. The time away will allow them to rejuvenate and return with more energy and ideas.
- More loyalty—These days, a healthy work-life balance is at the top of just about every employee’s wish list. By helping them to achieve their goals in this area, you increase the chances that they won’t look for greener pastures elsewhere.
- A positive company culture—More productivity and loyalty will inevitably lead to a more positive company culture. Positive energy can be just as infectious as negative energy. If you start the “positive energy ball” rolling, there’s no telling how far it will roll.
- Cross-training opportunities—While members of your team are out of the office on vacation, you can divide their duties among other employees. This will add to their value and increase their skill set, so instead of “losing productivity” because of vacation time, your team becomes more skilled and well-rounded.
And of course, you might have some employees who are unable to resist the temptation of not taking their vacation time. While this is an admirable trait, it can serve to hurt them, as well as the team, in the long run. Sit down with each of your team members and review their vacation plans. First and foremost, make sure everybody is taking one. Then you can worry about scheduling and other minor details.
What about . . . you?
Okay, now you’ve ensured that the members of your team will have ample opportunity to shift gears in preparation for the second half of the year. But what about you? Yes, you’re human, just like everybody else, and unless you’re rested and refreshed for the last six months of 2008, you’re not going to be able to lead your team to its full potential.
I sincerely hope that you have either 1.) already taken your vacation, or 2.) planned it and will be taking it shortly. You don’t need to take three weeks off, like me, but time away from the grind is necessary. Vacation is individual to each person—some people need a lot of time off in order to rejuvenate, while others need less time. The key is to find out what works best for you.
And the only way to discover that is to take whatever vacation time is coming to you. Because as the second half of the year begins in earnest, your team needs to be able to shift gears to tackle the challenges ahead—and it can’t do that if it’s missing its biggest cog.
If you have any questions about this article, you can contact me at dan@consearch.com. |
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Why—and How—to Take a Break
(By Don Hunter)
In these uncertain economic times, people appear to be under more stress than ever before, and it’s a documented fact that stress can have serious health consequences for those who are under it for a prolonged period of time.
So—why aren’t you on vacation?
The ‘why’
Okay, okay, so maybe you’ve already taken your vacation. Or maybe you have it scheduled and you’re looking forward to it almost every day. But then again, perhaps you’re part of the growing segment of the workforce that doesn’t take all, or even part, of their vacation. Below are three of the major ways in which taking a break can benefit you.
- Physically—Study after study has shown that Americans are among the most sleep-deprived people on the planet. Sleep deprivation causes more than just headaches and less productivity. It can be a contributing factor to serious health ailments. However, by allowing your body to fully recuperate, you’ll feel better and you’ll enjoy yourself more. (And really, what reasons do you need besides that?)
- Mentally—Your brain produces more ideas and better ideas when it’s well-rested. If not, it has trouble focusing on even the simplest of tasks. A break will arm you with the brain power you need to make better decisions at work—and everywhere else, for that matter.
- Psychologically—The mind benefits from a vacation just as much as the body, maybe more so. When a person continues to work an unhealthy amount of hours, with no break and no end in sight, it’s easier to become depressed. Ample vacation time will keep you “centered,” in a manner of speaking.
- Emotionally—How well you feel emotionally is tied to how well you feel physically, mentally, and psychologically. If you’re taking a beating in those three areas, chances are good that you’re taking a beating emotionally, as well. Unfortunately, this is an aspect of overall health that’s often overlooked, even though it’s just as important as the other three aspects.
The ‘how’
Now that we’ve covered the “why” of taking your vacation time, let’s explore the “how.” Because sometimes, just wanting to take a break isn’t enough to get the job done.
- Plan your fun—Don’t laugh; if you don’t make time in your schedule for some rest and relaxation, something else will fill that void instead . . . probably work of some kind. Document your plans in a tangible form, even if you just write them on a piece of paper. You’ll thank yourself later.
- Talk with your boss—There are a number of reasons you should do this, not the least of which is the need for set expectations, both on their part and on yours. If you feel as though your work-life balance is out of whack, then this is the time to discuss it. Raise any concerns you might have and stress your desire to be as productive as you can possibly be, and part of that productivity is the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate.
- Find a new job—This option is reserved for those of you who are struggling in a company where taking vacation time is frowned upon. If you’ve discussed your situation with your immediate supervisor, and you believe relief isn’t forthcoming, then a change of venue might do you good. After all, it’s your health we’re talking about.
If recent history is any indication, then the amount of stress present in the American workplace isn’t apt to subside anytime soon. Since that’s the case, you should take it upon yourself to reduce the stress that currently exists in your employment life . . . and enjoying a vacation is the first step toward doing just that.
It’s more than just an option—it’s an obligation.
If you have any questions about this topic, please send me an email at don@bayresourcegroup.com. And if you’re currently engaged in a job search or are interested in advancing the scope of your career, be sure to send me your resume. I’d be happy to discuss your career goals and ambitions, including ways in which I can help you to achieve them. Any exchange of information, including resumes, will be kept in total confidence and handled in a discreet fashion.
Your ASM Calendar of Upcoming Industry Events
At The Animal Science Monitor, we’re advocates of continuous education and the promotion of industry events such as conferences and conventions. The training and networking opportunities that exist at these events are extremely valuable and can pay dividends in a number of different ways.
That’s why we run a regular column devoted to upcoming events in the animal science and animal nutrition industries. And as always, we value your input. If there’s an industry event that you believe we should promote through our newsletter, please email your information to matt@animalsciencemonitor.com.
The ASM is pleased to highlight these upcoming industry events:
July
Driftless Region Grazing Conference
Dates: Tuesday, July 29 and Wednesday, July 30
Location: Crawford County Administration Building in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
Description: Among the topics to be discussed during this two-day event are managing grazing to reduce feed costs, beef cattle handling facilities, and pasture residual and recovery rate. The second day of the conference will consist primarily of farm tours and accompanying instruction. The conference is sponsored by the extension groups of Iowa State, the University of Illinois, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin.
Registration: The cost is the same for both days or for Tuesday only. Wednesday’s session is free, but conference organizers would appreciate pre-registration. The cost for the first person from a farm is $30, with $20 for each additional person from the same farm on or before July 22. (The cost is $40/$30 after July 22). The student cost is $10 for both days. Conference fees cover lunch on Tuesday. However, accommodations are not included in conference fees. To access the registration form, click here.
August
Second Annual K-State Beef Conference
Dates: Thursday, August 7 and Friday, August 8
Location: Frick Auditorium, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas
Description: The keynote speaker for the conference will be Dr. Barry Dunn of the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management at Texas A&M University. In addition, the presentation topics will include the following: cow economics in the ethanol era, land and pasture costs, summer and winter grazing systems, alternative forages, by-product feeding options, supplementation strategies, pasture evaluation, and cow herd management strategies.
Registration: For more information about the conference, including the agenda and registration form, click here.
Introducing The ASM ‘Video Links of the Month’
July is Poultry Month here at The Animal Science Monitor, and once again, we’d like to celebrate with our “Video Link of the Month.” But this time, we have two links as opposed to one, since really, how can you choose between chicken and turkey? You can’t—and what’s more, we won’t ask you to.
To access the chicken video, click here.
To access the turkey video, click here.
As you’re no doubt aware, we’re living in a YouTube world, one filled with an abundance of funny animal science videos. With that in mind, The ASM is providing links to humorous (and appropriate) videos regarding any aspect of the animal science industry in select issues of our newsletter . . . and you can help us.
We’d like you to send us your favorite animal science video clips. Send an email, with your link included, to matt@animalsciencemonitor.com, and your clip might be featured in a future issue of the newsletter. If your clip is included, we’ll also publish your name as its contributor.
Coming Up in the Next Issue . . .
Are you noticing that the majority of your team is nearing retirement-age? Or perhaps you’re reaching that point yourself, and you’re wondering what the future holds? Then you won’t want to miss the next issue of The Animal Science Monitor, in which Dan and Don will address both of these subjects in their respective columns. And remember, you can send your internship information, as well as your video links and hot news links, to matt@animalsciencemonitor.com.
The next issue of The ASM is scheduled for publication on Tuesday, July 29.
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