Feb 11, 2020
What are the secrets to an engaged farming team?
Find out on this episode of the podcast with Brian Bates! Brian has
previously been on the podcast and he also participated in our
Thriving Farmers Summit in December. This is the interview I did
with him during the summit, which I wanted to release as a podcast
episode because it’s just so good! Brian lays down the best
information for us on how to intentionally narrow focus. He also
discusses seasonal part-time labor vs. year round full-time
employees, the role the team plays in Bear Creek Organic Farm, why
they have no job descriptions, and how he makes his farm profitable
in a small town setting. Enjoy!
You’ll Hear:
How Brian got started in farming 2:35
What philosophy Brian & Anne have regarding building their farm
team 9:45
Why they don’t have job descriptions 14:22
What their hiring process looks like and how it differs from
standard hiring procedures 21:40
How Brian deals with the hard times and inclement weather
27:28
How they approach weekends at Bear Creek 37:00
How intentionality has played into their farm planning 44:35
Brian Bates owns and operates Bear Creek Organic Farm in Petoskey,
Michigan with his wife Anne. Brian is passionate about small farm
finances, making a living doing what you love, and savvy marketing.
With no secrets, a lot of ideas, and some serious elbow-grease,
Bear Creek has grown dramatically in five years to over $400k in
sales on just 2 acres. Growing from part-time farmers to full-time
farmers with 6 employees and a growing family, Anne & Brian are
committed to the process, their people, and serious customer
service. Brian and Anne have been honored as Entrepreneurs of the
Year and Local Food Heroes by their community and in 2018 Brian was
named one of Fruit+Vegetable’s Top 40 Under 40 Next Generation
Leaders.
Follow them on Facebook & Instagram @bearcreekorganicfarm for daily
updates from the farm!