The Future of Four Creeks Farm: Scale-Up, Diversify, or Exit?

This decision-scenario case study is designed to be suitable for both online and face-to-face instruction in an undergraduate-level agribusiness, agricultural policy, or business strategy course. The case challenges students to assume the role of decision makers for a struggling family-owned dairy farm to determine whether the farm should scale-up, diversify, or exit the industry. Students will (1) learn about the unique features of the U.S. dairy market and domestic government support policies for dairy farms, (2) understand the challenges facing small family-operated farms, (3) apply strategic management tools to analyze and select the best strategic option to ensure short-term and long-term survival of the farm, and (4) advance critical thinking and decision-making skills. This case study is versatile and can be adapted to a variety of classroom settings. It can also facilitate broader discussions of management decisions facing agricultural businesses operating outside of the dairy industry