My farm has grown to the point where I don’t have time to keep an eye on everything anymore. I know I need to delegate some things, but I don’t know how to go about it because I’m used to doing most things myself. My wife and I are the only owners (she handles our books). We have two full-time employees, plus seasonal help during planting and harvest. How do I figure out what to have others do? — B.H., Illinois

I think many farmers ask themselves this question at some point. As a farm grows, you aren’t able to be as hands-on as before, which can be difficult, depending on your work style and personality.

You might try thinking of it like this: What are the areas of my farm business where I, as the farm’s leader, can have the greatest impact on our success? In what areas will there not be as much of a difference whether I or someone else does the work? What sorts of decisions deserve and demand my time and attention because they greatly impact the overall success of the business?

Make a list of the areas where you should invest your time, such as financial management and planning, employee management, and crop plans. Then create a list of the tasks you’re doing that can be delegated.

Schedule time to work on areas you’ve identified as keys to success. This will help you battle the temptation to step back into handling some of the tasks you were unsure about delegating before, and help you continue to build focus on what’s most important.

Remember, delegating doesn’t mean handing something off and then never checking in on that area again. Incorporate status check-ins around delegated tasks, and provide guidance and direction as needed.

Taking this approach to your leadership role will help you maximize your impact — and your time — as your farm business grows. Best of luck!

Frye is president and CEO of Water Street Solutions. [email protected]

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Penton Agriculture.