How to implement systems (to get your time back and make more money) (SFFF39)
Running a flower farm is rewarding, but without efficient systems, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The secret to saving time and money isn’t working harder—it’s working smarter by creating streamlined processes that eliminate wasted effort.
Not to toot my own horn, but I feel like this is one thing I’ve really excelled at on my own farm and I love sharing about it!
In the latest episode of the Six Figure Flower Farming Podcast, I’m sharing how simple systems have helped me reclaim thousands of labor hours and tens of thousands of dollars on my farm.
Why Systems Matter on a Farm
As James Clear says, “We don’t rise to the level of our goals. We fall to the level of our systems.” Even the best goals won’t get you far if you don’t have repeatable, efficient processes to support them.
A good system eliminates guesswork, making tasks faster, easier, and more productive. Instead of tackling problems reactively, you work proactively, creating smoother workflows and a more profitable farm.
Simple Systems That Make a Big Difference
The best place to start is by identifying pain points—the tasks that feel chaotic, time-consuming, or inefficient. Here are two real systems that have transformed my farm:
1. Eliminating Time-Wasting Weeding
Hand-weeding is one of the biggest time wasters on a farm. To solve this, we implemented a Thursday afternoon weeding system—dedicating time each week to cultivating weeds at the thread stage before they become a problem. This virtually eliminated the need for hand-weeding, saving hours of labor.
2. Streamlining Harvest Tracking
Keeping track of yields used to be a mess, with lost papers and incomplete data. Now, we use a harvest board system—employees log yields in an app, and one person transfers the data to a large whiteboard in our barn. This allows us to see inventory at a glance, making planning and sales easier and more efficient.
How to Create Systems on Your Farm
You don’t need fancy tools or software—just a clear, repeatable process. Here’s how to start:
Identify bottlenecks. What tasks are taking too much time or causing frustration?
Write out a process. Create a step-by-step guide for handling the task efficiently.
Schedule recurring tasks. Dedicate time to key activities like weeding, harvesting, or market prep.
Look for ways to improve. Ask yourself: How can I get twice the results with half the effort?
Test and refine. The best systems evolve over time as you find even more efficient ways to work.
Join Me for a Hands-On Workshop
If you’re ready to systemize your farm for maximum efficiency and profit, join me for the Lean Flower Farming: Systems + Efficiency Workshop in Clifton Springs, NY.
📅 July 28-29, 2025 (plus an optional third day on high-earning high tunnels)
📌 Register now: www.trademarkfarmer.com/lean