The search for the “perfect employees” might be the single biggest mistake farm owners make. Not only is this approach time-consuming, but it also creates a dependency. The reality? The ideal employee doesn’t exist—but your farm can thrive with coachable team members who align with your operational core values and embrace following systems in place.

Hence, at Enable Ag, we believe transitioning from a people-dependent to a systems-driven farm by core values aligned team members can unlock sustainability, resilience, and, most importantly, time freedom for you and your family.

The Cost of Chasing Perfect Employees

Relying on highly skilled individuals might feel like the safest bet, but it makes your farm vulnerable. When key team members leave, chaos often ensues. Without clear systems in place, remaining employees are left scrambling to fill the gaps, leading to errors, delays, and stress.

Instead of chasing unicorn employees, why not hire for shared values and train your team using documented workflows? Like schools that train students for success, your farm can foster a culture where systems guide operations.

Why Systems Matter As Much As People

The relationship between systems and personnel is inversely proportional. The better your systems, the less reliant you are on unicorns. Systems can reduce human error, ensure consistency, and build a scalable business model.

Consider this: A documented procedure for setting up irrigation or processing payroll ensures clarity and reduces the margin for mistakes. Tools like Loom or Scribe simplify creating these Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with minimal effort.

What You Gain with a Systems-First Approach

1. Operational Resilience: Systems maintain your farm’s stability during staff transitions or absences.
2. Scalability: Hire based on cultural fit, upskill employees, and rely on systems for expertise.
3. Improved Team Dynamics: Defined workflows eliminate confusion, foster trust, and boost morale.
4. Time Freedom: Free yourself from micromanagement and focus on strategy or personal priorities.

How to Start Building Systems on Your Farm

1. Start with High-Impact Tasks: Identify recurring processes, like livestock management or irrigation schedules, and create simple systems for them. Start with the ones that are going to happen sooner than later.
2. Leverage Technology: Tools like Smartsheet and Loom make creating and managing systems intuitive.
3. Test and Refine: Implement the system, gather team feedback, and improve until it’s seamless.
4. Focus on the 80/20 Rule: Target the 20% of activities that yield 80% of your farm’s results. Finish one system at a time.

Why Farmers Need to Shift Their Mindset

Too often, farmers believe that they need to handle everything themselves. This mindset traps them in reactive work, constantly putting out fires instead of planning for growth.

The solution? A systems-first approach that enables delegation, empowers your team, and makes your farm sustainable even in your absence.

From Stress to Sustainability

Building robust systems isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about creating a farm that thrives independently. Imagine reclaiming your weekends, spending quality time with your family, and knowing your farm runs smoothly without you constantly overseeing every detail.

Don’t let outdated practices hold you back. Contact Enable Ag for a FREE personalised consultation to check if it’s the right program for you toward operational excellence and personal freedom.

If you found this article helpful, share it with your network to help others unlock their farming potential. Don’t forget to like and follow us on social media for more insightful tips: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Let’s empower more farmers together!