When we think about our farm’s team, we might first think of it in a narrowly defined way. We think about the people who work on the farm each day, who are employed by the operation and receive income from that work – whether owners, family member employees or outside employees.

For the farm, this is an absolutely critical group. They keep the operation running each day. Without them, it would probably be impossible to accomplish what needs to be done, especially in a growing, dynamic operation.

But when it comes to communicating your vision for the future of your operation, you might want to expand the definition of your farm’s team. Think more broadly – to the next couple of layers out.

In these layers are people who support the farm and what you’re working to do there in some way – from supplying the ‘stuff’ of farming to providing the opportunity to farm their land to encouraging you through hard times.

The broader team
These additional groups of people play a role in the success of your farm – and it’s key to have them ‘on-board’, working to help you achieve those goals. In particular, as you prepare and gear up for another busy spring season, you’ll want to enlist the support of each group for best results.

Taking the opportunity in the winter or just before planting season gets going to communicate with them – whether one group at a time or all together – helps create a more efficient, effective system when it’s time to move quickly in the spring.

I see four main groups or categories of people that have an impact on the farm’s success – your employees, your family, your landlords and your partners, advisors and suppliers.

Your employees
As I mentioned above, this group most quickly comes to mind when thinking about the work that’s done on the farm – and for good reason. Employees play an enormous role in day to day operations, and the quality of their work can make a big difference.

Take advantage of the winter season to spend some time with your employees – individually or as a group. Get everyone on the same page before planting season kicks into gear. Communicate your vision and the big goals you have for the operation.

Explain how employees can contribute to the goals. That makes it easier for them to become more fully invested in their work, when they see how their role fits in and how what they do really matters to the farm’s success.

Your family
Even if some of your family members don’t have a formal role in the operation, they’re still impacted by – and impact – the operation. They know what it means for the farm to be a primary source of family income. They know the ups and downs and cycles of farming.

Maybe they provide encouragement, particularly during tough times or busy seasons. It can be helpful for them to also understand the bigger picture of your vision for the operation and where it’s headed.

They’re always affected when you’re working longer hours during a busy season. Take time this winter to express your appreciation and to start setting expectations for the times of year when you won’t be available as much.

Your employees’ families have a similar experience. You might host an event prior to springtime for your employees and their families to thank them, as well as to set expectations.

In next week’s post, I’ll discuss the impact of two more groups you’ll want to consider as part of your farm’s team.

Read the new winter issue of the Smart Series publication, bringing business ideas for today’s farm leader. This issue features tips on harnessing the power of your farm’s numbers, how to set up an employee strategy, and ideas on shielding your farm from unexpected events. Get your free online issue here.

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