If you’re leading a farm operation, you’ve probably recognized that the people on your farm tend to catch more of what you do than what you say. What I mean by that is: because more is caught than taught, what leaders do (and don’t do) in terms of their day-to-day behavior on the farm makes a big difference.

Everyone in the operation watches the farm’s leader to find out a number of things – such as what’s valued, what they should be focusing on, how they should act, how they should talk to one another, and so on. The leader truly sets the tone for the culture of the farm.

That’s why I believe leadership typically comes with more responsibilities, but fewer rights – because leaders can’t just do whatever they want. They always have to think carefully about what they say and do because everyone else’s eyes are on them!

Where we’re going

Every single person on the farm leads at some level, no matter what their role is. Whether they are a member of the leadership team, a part-time seasonal employee, or primarily in charge of raising the kids day to day, there are certain ways that each person is leading. Every one of us needs to be aware of the ways that we are leading – and work to reflect on and develop our leadership capabilities.

For the farm leader or leaders, it’s especially important to be aware of the unique responsibility that they have to set the direction of the operation. When I say that, I’m thinking of how the leader must “zoom out” to look at the big picture and think about the future of the farm.

The leader must consider and be able to communicate to everyone else on the farm where they are headed as an operation. While it’s good to have input and feedback from other stakeholders on the farm about this – think business partners, spouse, next generation leader, key employees – this is one responsibility where the buck stops with the leader.

Think these through

Here are a couple things to think about as you consider where your operation is headed and how to best communicate that direction with others.

Another key role of the farm leader in running their business is marketing the crop – creating marketing plans and making decisions. Our market advisors partner with farmers to provide advice and peace of mind around marketing. Get in touch or find a free two week trial of our marketing information service (including daily video and audio market updates) at www.waterstreetconsulting.com.

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Farm Progress