Melin, Martin
- Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
This case study increases our understanding of Lean implementation in which value stream mapping (VSM) is used to create an action plan at a small dairy and cattle farm in southwest Sweden. The researchers, the farmer-owner, and farm employees followed a step-by-step approach that resulted in ideas for operational improvements for the dairy activity. Data were collected in interviews with the farmer/owner, researcher participation in workshops, and researcher observations. The results reveal that VSM is an effective way to create a culture of collaboration among the farm staff and to better define their roles and responsibilities as well as improve routines, communications, and task completion. In the two-to-three year period following the VSM project, specific improvements were observed in milk production/quality and animal health. The results also reveal that while Lean principles are relevant given the repetitive nature of agriculture routines and tasks, the VSM element of lead-time reduction is less relevant owing to the unique value adding biological processes in the agriculture sector.
Keywords
lean; value stream mapping; agricultural production; productivity; farmers
Published in
International Journal of Environment and Waste Management
2020, volume: 25, number: 1, pages: 130-140
SLU Authors
UKÄ Subject classification
Agricultural Science
Work Sciences
Publication identifier
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJEWM.2020.104367
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/103222