Maps help us navigate the world, and they not only show us how to get from point A to point B, but, depending on the type of map, they can also help us to see where patterns, clusters, and gaps exist in a spatial environment. As part of KCARD’s state-wide Local Food System Expansion Initiative, a series of interactive maps has been developed to visualize the Kentucky local food system. Stay tuned for parts two and three of the series in the next few weeks. We will present a closer look into local food sales in Kentucky and the various industries that make up the local food system.
Mark it down as a problem that businesses had before COVID that has only gotten worse in the pandemic: finding and retaining workers. As a result, a lot of businesses are having to think creatively about their operations from start to finish to figure out how to handle this challenge. We were recently asked about how to do just that. Check out this blog post to learn more.
Have you wondered if your business has too many or too few employees working? You might want to consider calculating your labor-to-sales ratio. This number is a commonly used performance measure by businesses to track their labor costs and its impact on operations. The labor-to-sales ratio shows the total labor costs for each $1 in sales.
Dr. Steve Isaacs has been with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension program for over 28 years, specializing in farm management programs such as farm financial management, human resource management, and the economics of injury prevention. Dr. Isaacs is a trusted and valued resource for KCARD with his extensive knowledge in agricultural economics and business management. He has also been a mentor or instructor for many KCARD staff over the years.
Question: I’m still not sure how COVID-19 is going to affect my farm business. I have 5 employees and I don’t know what to tell them if anything. What do I tell my employees?
Your employees already know this is not a normal spring season. Clearly communicating your plans and decisions will help them avoid assuming the worst and enable them to plan for the coming weeks.
Once you decide to hire someone, you need to lay the groundwork for keeping good employee records. What are some recordkeeping basics when you hire someone?
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is a non-profit organization established to facilitate agricultural and rural businesses in Kentucky. We are supported primarily through grants provided by the USDA Rural Cooperative Development Program and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. Additional support is provided through our work with partners around the state and through fees charged for select client services.
