Creating Abundance: Visionary Entrepreneurs of Agriculture

NACTA Journal, Dec 2002 by Ricketts, John C

Creating Abundance: Visionary Entrepreneurs of Agriculture, by Hiram M. Drache, Interstate Publishers, Inc., 2001, 388 pages, hardcover

Leadership researchers, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner list the five fundamental practices of exemplary leadership as challenging the process, inspiring a shared vision, enabling others to act, modeling the way, and encouraging the heart. The 2001 text by Dr. Drache is virtually a series of case studies about some of the greatest leaders and entrepreneurs in the history of American agriculture. Each of the entrepreneurial success stories involved an individual, but many times a group of family members that challenged the process, inspired a shared vision, enabled others to act, modeled the way, and encouraged the heart of all of those around them.

From flower kings to french fry rulers to feedlot emperors and others, Drache describes the innovativeness, fearlessness, and drive of each of the individuals in the book that made them what they are in the agricultural industry. Whether losing millions of dollars or their first herd of livestock, each of the entrepreneurs described forged ahead and challenged the process to become some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country.

The agribusiness leaders in the text also led their constituents and their companies and/or farms with a vision. Each of the entrepreneurs understood economy of scale and a never hesitated to buy more land, build a processing facility, or diversify their operations. They had a dream of being the best, the biggest, and the leader of their respective craft, and they realized those dreams.

The individuals that Drache describes are masters at enabling others to action. They always put people first. Most of the agribusinesses described in the texts have the best possible employee benefits because they understand that people are the most important part of their business. The agricultural leaders give power to their constituents and employees. They trust them to make decisions and support them in many ways. They encouraged the heart of their people as well. They knew that people put a high value on being praised and being recognized, and they were not too proud to oblige.

The entrepreneurs in Creating Abundance were excellent models for their employees and the family members that would eventually take over the businesses. Other business leaders and even financiers marveled at their actions and tried to emulate them in many ways. People like Paul Engler, Jack and John Harris, and "Red" Larson set the example for all of those they came in contact with.

This book would be very appropriate for an agricultural economics, agribusiness, or other production type of course, but would be most beneficial to individuals studying leadership and management issues in the agricultural industry. The real life lessons that the text offers from such visionary entrepreneurs in agriculture are unmatched.

The strength of the text lies in the fact that it is researched based. A great amount of time and effort went into the qualitative interviews for each of the case studies presented in the text. Not only are the entrepreneurs interviewed, but also constituents and others who know them confirm the observations of Drache. The fairly short chapters represent a different individual or family. This format is great for comprehension and reflection on each of cases.

At times the writing jumps around chronologically. It usually begins with a scope description of what the business has become followed by the history of the agribusiness. The history portion isn't always in order, which can be a bit confusing. In places, the writing is hard to follow, but for the most part a very enjoyable read.

One of the ways that adults learn best is from focusing on realistic problems, and they place a high value on experience as well. This book accomplishes each of these requirements, and is an extremely appropriate tool for adults wishing to learn more about leadership in agriculture. I plan to use it as a supplemental text for each of the courses I teach in the fields of agricultural education, communication, and leadership.

John C. Ricketts

University of Florida