Profiles of Management Competencies Identified by Successful Dairy Managers

The goals of this research were to identify profiles of occupational competencies that were used by successful dairy managers in middle-and senior-level positions and to conduct an analysis of development needs among managers in one group of farms. Focus groups of successful middle and senior managers were held using the DACUM (Developing A CUrriculuM) method to identify competency profiles. Unique senior manager general competency areas included crop management; land management; strategic planning; purchasing, sales, and marketing; and financial planning. Unique middle manager competency areas included feed management; information management; quality control and standard operating procedures; milking management; reproductive management; young stock management; financial management; employee development; and professional development. General competency areas common to both senior and middle managers included herd management, herd health management, operations management, community service and public relations, and human resource management. Managers from one producer group responded to a survey asking them to assess their own ability in each of the general competency areas in the profile. Senior managers were least confident in their competencies in human resource management (mean = 4.95, on a scale of 1 to 7) and financial planning (mean = 5.05). Middle managers were least confident in their competencies in financial management (mean = 4.67), human resource management (mean = 4.41), and community service and public relations (mean = 4.05). Dairy educators can use these profiles to compare with current educational programs and identify potential areas for improvement. Managers can use the profiles to create development plans for themselves and other farm employees.