Operations Management

The Challenge

Specific to the Operations Manager position, this family farm operation already had a good person in the role, someone with operations experience and the trust of the owners. The question was, “How can he become the best Operations Manager possible? How can he reach his fullest potential as a leader and how can he learn and benchmark the best practices of other successful operations, and then apply the knowledge to their own farm?” Previously, an Operations Manager had no avenue for training designed specifically for farm operations and no format for sharing best practices with other quality operations.

The Result

The farm enrolled their employee in UnCommon Farms' Operations Manager program.

This program is comprised of on-farm group meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions with a professional who has years of management and manufacturing experience.  The program emphasizes putting efficiency principles into place on the farm.  It includes benchmarking among the operations in areas including GIS systems, inventory Grain Farms management, logistics, labor, cost containment, management practices, and more.

This year’s group is comprised of 15 farms from across the U.S. and Canada.  For the farm in this case study, their Operations Manager has become a more effective leader and with better focus.

Specifically, he has increased his knowledge of areas in which he previously had little experience, and thus decision making has improved.  Buy-in has increased for all ops personnel, and more ideas are generated because a proven process for employee input was implemented.

Employees have increased understanding of the expectations because of improved work instructions from the OM.  Better control systems are in place to ensure accuracy and consistency, allowing the owners to truly delegate their operational functions.

What Was Said

“The biggest headaches for any business is always personnel, so farms need to develop and follow a specified hiring process to help ensure the best people can be found and hired. Helping farms develop such a customized process is one UnCommon Farms' specialties.”

img-field

Watch Video

Related Posts

Increased Time With Family

The Challenge The Mehmen’s situation is likely familiar to a majority of the mid to large size farms across North America. Their adherence to family values and continuing their tradition of being an independent, family owned and operated farm had...

See Full Article

Seed Treatment

UnCommon Farms Value-Network Creates Huge ROI on Soybean Seed Treater When it comes to planting, farmers have a multitude of factors to consider to save time and money while increasing the number of bushels harvested. A progressive corn and soybean...

See Full Article

Landowner Retention

The Challenge The owners and employees of the operation try to take great care of their landowners – they are timely with field work, exceptional in their stewardship of leased land, and, with their agronomy background, their yields typically exceed...

See Full Article

UnCommon Knowledge, UnCommon Results

We get it – running a farm is tough. That's why we offer practical resources to help you tackle everyday challenges:

Business Management: Learn how to structure your farm for success, set smart goals, and boost efficiency.

Financials: Understand your farm's financial health through actionable resources and expert guidance.

Human Resources: Hire, manage, and retain a strong team effectively with expert insights and clear strategies.

Risk Management: Access information on risk identification and mitigation techniques specific to agriculture, including the latest tools and insurance options to protect your farm's legacy.

Strategic Planning: Receive expert insights on developing strategic plans tailored for family farms, including innovative strategies and market trends to ensure long-term success.

Succession Planning: Get clear steps and real-world advice for ensuring a smooth handover to the next generation.

Fuel your farm's future with expert advice. Subscribe to our free newsletter!