b'Are You Treating Your Talent Right? JIM SCHWEIGERT PRESIDENT, GRO ALLIANCETHROUGHOUT MY CAREER,IAs humans, we acquire and con-@jim_schweigert have had the privilege of workingsume commodities. Once consumed,jim.schweigert@groalliance.comGroAlliance.comwith professionals from a multitudethey either disappear or theyre of industries and levels across thetossed. In other words: theyre dispos-country. On many occasions whenable. This is exactly what many organi-working with high-level professionals,zations are doing with their talent.Dont Let COVID-19 Disrupt Ive asked them, What is the greatestThey recruit them, use them for what asset to your organization? An over- theyre worth and move on to the nextYour Long-Term Strategywhelming majority of them said whatwith little benefit seen by either side.you would likely say, too: their people. On the flip side, think of an annuity. Its truepeople are the No. 1We invest in it, care for it and manageI KEEP A VERYclose eye on commodity and asset to any organization. Theyreits growth year after year in expecta- equity markets. Lately, this hasnt been much invaluable. However, in those sametion of a return value. Shouldnt wefun! There is a stream of red flowing across the instances I asked organizations aboutbe doing the same with our people?screen almost every day that can feel like the last their greatest asset, I followed upWhen we obtain talent, investing inbit of life being sucked out of the farm economy. their answer of people by askingtheir growth should become a topFarmers were hoping for price bumps following how they convey this claim. The typi- priority. By continuously encouragingthe USMCA and Phase 1 China deal signing but cal response is a tense forehead anddevelopment in those on our team,have seen billions of dollars taken out of the rural a list of benefits. we prepare them for future positionseconomy by a new market disrupter: coronavirus While benefits are nice, manyand success. In return, we often see(COVID-19).organizations fail to realize that theyincreased loyalty, efficiency and aAs I write this, there are more than 80,000 con-are treating their greatest assethigh return on investment. When ourfirmed cases worldwide and nearly 3,000 deaths.their peoplelike a commod- people gain new abilities, our organi- No doubt that number will be higher when you read ity, when they should be treatingzations see doors to new opportuni- this. The impact isnt just the tragic loss of life, but them like an annuity. If I were to askties open before them. the uncertainty of how much worse it might get. people in your organization if they areSo, if you say your greatest assetIm not qualified to describe the virus itself or treated like an asset, what would theiris your people, what are you doing toeven say how bad it truly is or could be. All I know response be? An unfortunate amountprove it to them? If you arent sure,is that this will pass, and markets should rebound. would likely say no. take a hard look at your systems. AreIn other words, the sun will eventually come up.your people the core focus, or simplyThe fundamentals of commodity ag are still a disposable piece of the pie? strong. Growing population and higher protein Learn more about talent manage- diets create a rising tide of demand that points to ment, strategy and leadership bybetter future pricesprobably not like the boom participating in one of the profes- of 2013, but stronger prices that support profitable sional development programs fromfarming.the Center for Food and AgriculturalIts during these times that businesses and Business. View upcoming programsfarmers need to keep their long-term strategies and workshops that you can par- front and center. Take a step back from the con-ticipate in remotely over a variety ofstant news coverage and really evaluate what you business topics tailored to the agri- can control on your farm or in your business. Dont food industry at agribusiness.purdue. make any short-term decision that doesnt align edu/programs-workshops. with your long-term vision. The ebbs and flows your farm and business have weathered over mul-tiple generations is the evidence that maintaining your long-term approach will serve you best.The COVID-19 fears and impact on the market PETE HAMMETT are not likely to end soon. But they will end. When VISITING PROFESSOR; OWNER, PURDUEthe battle against COVID-19 is won, the positive UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS; HAMMETTfundamentals for agriculture will still be there. Your CONSULTING farm or business will be in a position to capitalize petehammett@yahoo.comwww.agribusiness.purdue.edu on that future by ensuring your short-term reac-tions stay in line with your long-term strategy.42/ SEEDWORLD.COMINTERNATIONAL EDITION 2020'