Kevin Ochsner, a National FFA Officer, discusses the future of agricultural practices, youth organizations, and community service in the industry. Topics include the importance of civic responsibility, face-to-face interaction in meetings, and driving organizational reinvention from within. The significance of unity, cooperation, and adapting value propositions for organizational success is highlighted.
Nonprofits must adapt to modern demands for sustainability and impact.
Servant leadership is essential for guiding industry decisions effectively.
Organizations need to foster collaboration and adaptability to thrive in changing environments.
Deep dives
Need for Reevaluation of Organization Focus and Relevance
There is a recognition of the need for organizations, such as industry trade groups, to reassess their value propositions and adapt to the changing times. Challenges, including declining membership engagement, suggest the necessity of redefining these groups' roles and services to increase their impact and appeal. The discussion highlights the importance of being willing to change models and services of nonprofits to address current demands and ensure organizational sustainability.
Importance of Servant Leadership and Industry Involvement
Servant leadership and active participation in industry groups are underscored as crucial elements for leaders in agriculture and society to consider. The conversation emphasizes the value of individuals like Kevin Ochsner, who exemplifies servant leadership through consultation, industry involvement, and hosting roles. His diverse engagements, from consulting to hosting a TV show, serve as a reminder of the impact of being actively involved in guiding industry decisions.
Challenges in Membership Engagement and Changing Trends
Addressing the shifting landscape in membership engagement, the podcast points out the decline in individuals' involvement in organizations compared to previous generations. Factors such as evolving societal priorities, organizational inflexibility, and changing communication dynamics are discussed as contributors to the reduced engagement with industry trade groups, civic organizations, and churches. The episode suggests the need to adapt to generational differences and changing societal norms to enhance participation.
Encouraging Active Participation and Civic Responsibility
A call to encourage active participation and to instill a sense of civic responsibility is put forth, particularly within the agriculture community. By highlighting the valuable contributions made by past and present leaders in organizations like Certified Angus Beef, the discussion emphasizes the importance of collective action and collaboration in shaping the industry's future. The need for individuals to engage meaningfully and contribute positively to organizational decision-making processes is emphasized.
Creating a Culture of Collaboration and Adapting to Change
The episode stresses the significance of fostering a culture of collaboration and adaptability within organizations to address prevailing challenges and drive positive change. By acknowledging the importance of respectful dialogue, differing perspectives, and proactive decision-making, the conversation underlines the potential for organizations to evolve and thrive by embracing diverse viewpoints and strategies. The need for introspection, innovation, and collective action to navigate changing environments and ensure organizational relevance is highlighted.
Kevin Ochsner was born and raised on an irrigated farm and registered cattle operation in Fort Collins, Colo. He attended Colorado State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness. During his undergraduate studies, Kevin was a member of the CSU livestock judging team earning high individual honors at the National Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Contest and was actively involved in FFA, serving as a National FFA Officer in 1987-88. In 1997, Kevin earned his master’s in management from the Krannert School of Business at Purdue University.
Kevin spent more than two decades working for the Indianapolis-based consulting firm Agri Business Group before founding his own consulting practice, Agcellerate, LLC. Over the past 24 years, he has had the privilege of providing strategic planning, marketing consulting, sales/management training and keynote speaking services to some of the country’s largest animal health, crop protection, seed, feed and farm machinery companies.
Today, Kevin, his wife Julie and their three children, Caitlyn, Ashlyn and Collin, make their home in the small agricultural community of Kersey, Colo., 60 miles northeast of Denver. In addition to his consulting and TV hosting responsibilities, Kevin manages his family operation consisting of 130 head of registered Limousin and Lim-Flex cows together with irrigated corn, alfalfa and grass hay along the South Platte River. In addition to marketing bulls to commercial cow-calf operations, Kevin’s family also operates Ochsner Tenderlean Beef, a small branded beef company that markets beef directly to consumers along the Front Range of Colorado.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
