When John McNeill and associates originated the Ranch to Rail program in the Texas Panhandle decades ago, their efforts would play an integral role in creating a supply chain focus for the beef industry and widening of value creation and capturing opportunities driven by performance pricing strategies and a growing focus on brand and brand-like marketing arrangements. 

It was an exciting time for our ranch as we began to understand more about how our cattle performed beyond our location in the mountains of western Colorado while developing better protocols to prepare calves for the expectations of our customers — better health management, disciplined genetic selection and improved stockmanship were embraced. As a result, our legacy focus on pride of ownership was heightened even further, and we became a more professional outfit with a deeper understanding of our role in the supply chain. 

Supply chains attain continuous excellence by measuring key metrics, questioning assumptions and ongoing quality assessment of each link to assure the functionality and value production capacity of the system. An assessment of the beef industry certainly reveals opportunities for ongoing improvement and innovation. The most critical of these is in the arena of human excellence. 

Without a full pipeline of talent and a dedicated effort to prepare the next generation for the challenges of leading enterprises, industries and communities, the supply chain is susceptible to erosion. 

Before I go any further, it is important to note I am a strong advocate for many in the rising generation. However, there are signs of concern that both our culture and the educational system have failed to provide the necessary guidance, skill development and professional preparation to assure widespread success and positive contributions.

Looking forward

Recent surveys conducted by the Hult School of Business as well as several business consultancies revealed insight into an increasing gap between professional expectations and performance of new college graduates. Ninety-eight percent of business leaders report that it is a struggle to find new talent. However, 89% say they are reluctant to hire new graduates. The leading causes of concern about new grads, according to business leaders, are: no real-world experience, poor team skills, insufficient applicable skills, poor business etiquette, poor time management, excessive use of phones, inability to deal with feedback, and poor work ethic and motivation. 

HR leaders report colleges need to take more responsibility in preparing students for the workplace while 85% of recent graduates say they wished their collegiate experience had been more focused on professional training and development.  

HR leaders, nearly unanimously, point to five mindset and skill areas that would increase the success of new hires — communication, curiosity and willingness to learn, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. 

Then there is the attitude factor of either entitlement or indifference that was reported by survey respondents. Nearly all pointed to general deficiencies in punctuality, professional dress, appropriate language, quality of work, and embracing the reality that diligence, a proven track record and high competence are required to move up the chain of command.

No doubt, the educational system ranging from elementary school to colleges and universities needs to be challenged to provide opportunities for people to attain relevant skills and experiences that enhance both personal and professional development. However, the industry can ill afford to see this challenge as someone else’s problem. The entire chain from ranch to rail and on to consumer requires a pipeline of enthusiastic, capable, curious and motivated professionals.  

Perhaps it is time to engage educational leaders to conduct a quality audit of the current system, make the needed course changes by focusing resources and attention on closing the gap and to forge more productive partnerships. This will assure that the beef industry will have access to exceptional people who are ready, able and willing to take our business to the next level.