More Bang for Your Labor Buck - The Rainy Day List

By J. Andrew Albertson, Ideal Farms LLC, DCHA Communications Committee member

In our current economy, profits are seldom seen, if seen at all. As managers, we must realize we are directly responsible for the bottom line. Our daily decisions impact yearly incomes. Although labor costs are not the most expensive item on our income statements, they can be the deciding factor in making a black or red year.

One way to get more bang for your labor buck is to create "rainy day lists." A rainy day list can effectively ensure productivity during down time and/or inclement weather - the literal and the figurative rainy day, severe heat or severe cold.

So, just what should be included on a rainy day list? The list should include any project that is not of the upmost importance - one that is necessary, but not immediate.

How do you set up a rainy day list? The manager should list and prioritize needed projects. All materials needed to complete the project should be on site. Labor must have access to the project list and must know when to begin a possible rainy day project.

Sample rainy day projects include:

• Cleaning and/or organizing utility buildings, mechanical shops or any facility not on a current cleaning regiment.
• Winterizing and/or summarizing equipment and/or facilities.
• Washing and waxing equipment. No two managers' lists will be the same.

The list should be specifically tailored to fit your farm to include pet projects of yours. With proper training of labor, the rainy day list can be utilized to increase productivity on one's farm, thereby stretching your labor dollars to their maximum potential.