You may want to check out this new book, especially if you’re considering bringing the next generation into your farming operation soon. It’s titled “Who’s Running Your Farm Next? 5 Steps to Develop and Coach Your Next Generation.” It’s written by Sarah Beth Aubrey.

Aubrey is a certified executive coach. Her business, Aubrey Coaching and Training, is a performance-based leadership training and executive coaching firm. She is the author of five books and an e-book. Her mission is to enhance the success and profitability in agriculture and rural communities by building capacity in people.

Her signature theme, ACT Like a Pro, is about stepping into your best self or building your team to be an efficient, productive organization. Raised on a grain and livestock farm in Illinois, the University of Illinois agricultural communications graduate, who also received a master’s degree in strategic communications from Purdue University, now lives in central Indiana with her husband, Cary.

Latest book

Aubrey believes that developing and coaching people so they can handle all the changes that agriculture is undergoing will be a key factor in the farms that are able to sustain and transition. In her latest book, she lays the groundwork for what she believes to be the six fundamental shifts facing the industry now and then delivers a five-step solution.

Aubrey breaks down the “whys” and the “what’s next.” Throughout the book, she practically speaks about the dynamics of running a family operation and the challenges that come from being emotionally invested. Plunging into different realistic scenarios, she helps give a big-picture view while not overlooking the desire for success as well as the original intent of the producer. She emphasizes the importance of using the gifts, talents and desires of potential candidates who will hold key positions within the farm operation. Defining roles, consumer preferences, the global market, job descriptions, communication, training and coming changes — and realizing that change must be expected — Aubrey navigates through the varied complexities of managing and transitioning a farm in this day and age.

The book is an easy read and was written for anyone hoping to be successful in the changing world of agriculture. This book, as well as more information on Aubrey’s blog and all that her business offers, can be found on her website, sarahbethaubrey.com.

You can also order the book on amazon.com. It’s available both as an e-book for Kindle and in paperback.

McClain writes from Greenwood, Ind.