Foundations Series #2: Lean Farming & Efficient Cultivation Systems with Ben Hartman (Originally Episode 20)

This episode is part of the Foundations of Soil & Plant Science series — a selection of conversations that continue to influence how I approach soil health, plant performance, and cultivation systems. I’ve added a short new intro to each re-release with updated perspective and context.

Originally released as Episode 20

My guest for this episode is Ben Hartman, farmer and author of The Lean Farm.

Ben operates Clay Bottom Farm in Goshen, Indiana, and is known for applying lean manufacturing principles to agriculture. His work focuses on improving farm efficiency, reducing wasted time and materials, and designing production systems that prioritize value and profitability.

In this conversation we discuss:

What lean farming means and how it applies to cultivation

Identifying and eliminating wasted time, labor, and inputs

Designing efficient workflows and production systems

How simplifying systems can improve consistency and profitability

Applying lean principles to indoor and greenhouse cultivation

While this conversation comes from outside traditional cannabis production, the principles discussed are directly applicable to any cultivation operation looking to improve efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Part of the Foundations of Soil & Plant Science series.

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