A company is nothing more than its people

During the course of a year, we actively communicate news that affects MFA and its members. We discuss company direction, upgrades to facilities, equipment and technology. You may get the news through local advisory board meetings, annual meetings, delegate meetings, this magazine, or any number of other interactions we have with member-owners. Communication with members is an important part of the cooperative model.

However, without a strong team to execute the plans, communications and messages are just words. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy was touring the NASA headquarters when he encountered a janitor. The president asked the janitor what he did there at NASA. The janitor responded, “I’m helping to put a man on the moon.” That’s a classic example of what can be accomplished when everyone is willing to contribute to a shared vision. 

MFA isn’t looking to help put a man on the moon. But, we are an integral part of your operations and in strengthening food security in the United States and the world.  

Yet, as an industry, agriculture is undergoing change that is unparalleled by any other sector. It puts pressure on all of us to be prepared—especially those of us responsible for delivering our value promise to you. 

MFA is blessed with employees who possess a great deal of talent, passion and unlimited potential. When provided with vision, tools and training, they will deliver—something they’ve proven time and time again. 

Our challenge is to retain that talent and build the bench with new talent. I believe most in agriculture find the same challenge. The talent is out there. We’ve got to find it. We must also face the fact that a growing percentage of the workforce doesn’t have an agricultural background. That’s OK. It just takes an approach focused on both culture and technology. 

Forget pay. Company culture may be the single most significant influence in retention and recruitment. To deliver on its vision and value promise, the MFA team must positively convey the culture as it relates to work/life balance. Is the work challenging and fulfilling? Is there a role in company success? Is there a positive work environment? Is there employee involvement in decision-making? Are there training opportunities to build individual skill sets? All these things are necessary to deliver on the vision. 

“MFA is blessed with employees who possess a great deal of talent, passion and unlimited potential.”

At MFA, we proactively recruit for the team of the future. Career fairs and intern programs are traditional approaches to recruiting, but we will also embrace new technology to attract employees—like the virtual reality headset we are using to give potential employees a view of everything that happens inside one of our applicators or other areas of the company. 

We’re committed to strengthening an already strong employee team. We’re committed to providing a safe work environment, showing employees we care about them individually and appreciate the work they do, and offering opportunities for personal growth. 

This focused attitude strengthens the team, MFA and you as member-owners. 

To bring this thought full circle, I’ll mention a quote from NBA coach Phil Jackson: “The strength of a team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”

Ultimately, the strength of any company will be tied to the quality of its people. I like where we are.    

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