This course teaches four concepts at the heart of lean--5S, value identification, muda elimination, and kaizen--and how any size and type of farm can use them to cut out waste and grow more profitable.

Lean is like an extra gear on a tractor. It boosts profits with less work.

  • Comprehensive

    This course does not replicate Ben's book, The Lean Farm. It goes beyond it, adding case studies, concept examples, and much more.

  • Practical

    This course goes beyond theory. It shows in detail the lean management systems we use on our farm and includes downloads of our templates for Training Within Industry (TWI), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), value identification, and more.

  • Cutting edge

    US agriculture is ripe for change. Lean is not only a more profitable way to farm, it is a better solution for our food system than the current dominance of mass production farming. This course shows how any size and type of farm can apply lean and stay ahead of the curve.

Course curriculum

  • 01
    Lean Farm Foundations
    Show Content
    • Welcome Video
    • An introduction to lean farming and Clay Bottom Farm
    • Key practice #1: Organize with 5S
    • Key practice #2: Precisely identify value
    • Key practice #3: Eliminate 10 Wastes Part A
    • Key practice #3: Eliminate 10 Wastes Part B
    • Key practice #4 Practice kaizen (continuous improvement)
    • Bonus lesson: an interview with Ben Hartman by Diego Footer
    • Bonus lesson: the task management board, with Diego Footer
    • Bonus lesson: talking employees, with Diego Footer
    • Summary slides: Introduction to lean farming and Clay Bottom Farm
    • Summary slides: Key practice #1: Organize with 5S
    • Summary slides: Key practice #2: Precisely identify value
    • Lean Planning: Value Sheet
    • Lean Planning: Veg Per Square Foot
    • Lean Planning: Kanban Map
    • Lean Planning: Heijunka Calendar
    • Summary slides: Key practice #3: Eliminate 10 Wastes
    • Summary slides: Key practice #4 Practice kaizen (continuous improvement)