I have run dozens of LeanFarm workshops and worked with hundreds of farmers again this year and we always start the workshops by asking “what are your biggest frustrations/ problems” and “what is your burning platform for being here”. It is really interesting that no matter where the farm is, what type of farming, time and time again I see very similar challenges and frustrations pop up. That tells me that farmers everywhere are experiencing the same type of pain points and want similar things. Here is a list of the most common frustrations/ burning platforms that come up almost every workshop:
- Better work life balance
- Reduce workload
- Improve communication
- Improve profitability
- Empower team so I can step back
- Ability to have time off farm – a holiday
- Ability to have time to work on the business not in the business
When I look at this list, it just reinforces for me the huge opportunity for Lean tools and principles to help all farmers achieve these things. From improving communication systems, creating businesses that are process and system driven rather than relying on you to be in it everyday driving it, creating teams that take ownership and are empowered so you can go on holiday and know the business is in safe hands, improving results through better measurement, visualisation and monitoring of key performance indicators so there is better focus on what matters and everyone is working towards a common goal. Lean is based on some simple, common sense principles and tools that can help achieve all of these and make your farm business more resilient, sustainable, profitable, easier and enjoyable.
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