Every relationship with a new consulting client begins with a process which provides DairyES a foundational understanding of the client's business and its owners. Each farm situation is unique, and providing sound business solutions is not a cookie-cutter process. In order to ensure that our recommendations truly fit the needs of each individual client, we lead a discussion in which we learn:

• Their vision for the future, individual personal goals, goals for the business, and plans for business continuance
• How they manage people
• How they use information sytems to manage the business
• How they manage cows

The process begins with a little homework. Before the first on-farm appointment is made, the client forwards the following information to us so that we can begin to understand the business, its resources, and capabilities:

• Last two-three years' financial statements (Profit & Loss Statement or Income Statement) or IRS 1040F if statements are not available
• Quantity of milk shipped and average number of mature cows (milking and dry) for the last two-three fiscal years
• Current, market-based balance sheet (Statement of Net Worth)
• Present heifer inventory grouped in three-month increments (birth-3 mo., 4-6 mo., 7-9 mo., etc.)
• Most recent DHIA summary sheet plus December summary sheets for the past three years (or other forms of summarized production information)
• Principal balances and terms (maturity dates, interest rate, term length, monthly payment) for all existing term loans and capital leases

After this information is analyzed, an on-farm appointment is made where all of the business's owners are invited to contribute to the detailed conversation described above. For many of our past clients, this exercise is among the most eye-opening experiences they have had as business co-owners.

After the discussion is concluded, the group reconvenes again (usually the following morning) to share in the feedback and recommendations from DairyES. This discussion begins with a review of 20 key drivers - financial, information systems, human resource management and other factors which are very closely associated with the long-term success of a dairy enterprise - and their status as strengths or weaknesses of the business. The discussion concludes with a set of high-level recommendations from DairyES regarding suggested next steps for the business.

If this process sounds inviting and like it could be the right next step for your dairy business, please contact us.