In this episode, Evan sits down with Kristjan and Jeff to talk about the lead-up to harvest, a time filled with anticipation, preparation, and pressure. They start by comparing planning the night before versus the morning of, and how that small difference can shape the tone of the entire day. The conversation quickly broadens into how harvest has evolved over the last decade, largely due to advances in technology.
They get into how to train effectively, especially when every hour counts. They discuss the importance of knowing whether a breakdown is due to process or people, and how to set your team up for success when the stakes are high. As the season kicks into gear, they reflect on how to balance it all - equipment, timelines, decision-making, and family dynamics.
The discussion also touches on team structure: why having a mix of personalities and skills matters, how divide and conquer plays out on the ground, and how leadership styles need to adapt. They explore what it would look like to have a non-family CEO on a family farm, and why the next generation might be better suited to strategy, while the older generation thrives in execution and operations.