A successful manager is required to master many aspects of the farm business. To help the next generation develop the necessary business and financial skills, Farm Credit East is hosting multiple GenerationNext seminars across the Northeast this fall into winter, and currently seeks interested young leaders to attend. Upcoming sessions will be held in Dayville, Conn., Presque Isle, Maine, Flemington, NJ, and six New York locations: Claverack, Cooperstown, Eden, Geneva, Greenwich and Potsdam.

Farm Credit East’s GenerationNext helps young leaders identify areas for personal growth and development, improve business management skills and network with other young industry leaders. It is optimal for those producers who will be the next generation operators of a farm business. Whether just entering into a management role or an experienced manager, participants will gain valuable insights from Farm Credit East farm business consultants and from their GenerationNext colleagues.

“A key take-away of many participants is effective communication across generations,” said Chris Laughton, Farm Credit East Director of Knowledge Exchange. “GenerationNext helps to develop a balance of respect for the accomplishments of the older generation and trust in the ability of the next generation to take over the business.”

While each session is customized for the participants attending, the program is typically offered in a three-part series. The first class covers leadership and employee management. The second session focuses on understanding financial records, including budgets, inventory and investments, to develop and achieve goals. The final session’s focus is based on the group’s interests. Past topics have included customer service, marketing and risk management.

Each seminar includes group discussion, idea sharing and networking opportunities. In addition, participants receive a self-paced, computer-based course and a take-home portfolio with handouts and worksheets that support the topics covered by the program.

A complete listing of upcoming GenerationNext session dates and locations is available atFarmCreditEast.com/GenerationNext. It is not necessary to have an existing relationship with Farm Credit East to attend. Contact your local Farm Credit East office, or call (800) 562-2235 for more information or to sign up.