How these farmers cut 20+ work hours a week AND increased their profits - with Daybreak Farm (SFFF72)
Running a flower farm can feel like juggling with one hand tied behind your back. Between managing crops, harvesting, selling, and somehow keeping track of the books, it’s easy to slip into burnout mode. But what if streamlining your systems could actually give you more time and boost your bottom line? That’s exactly what Krissa and Bill Hoermann of Daybreak Farm in New Jersey discovered when they shifted the way they ran their business.
On their one-acre farm just a mile from the beach, they were stuck in a cycle of long hours, wasted time, and unorganized systems. After reassessing their processes, they not only shaved off more than 20 hours of work each week but also increased their profits—proving that small-scale flower farming doesn’t have to mean endless exhaustion.
From Chaos to Clarity in Flower Farming
Krissa and Bill admitted that their farm once ran on chaos. Rows weren’t planted with intention, tools were scattered, and they often spent unnecessary money filling gaps with expensive plugs. But after analyzing their expenses line by line, they realized small changes added up to major savings. Simple adjustments—like seeding trays consistently, keeping harvest supplies close at hand, and creating an inventory of essentials—cut down on wasted time and money.
Instead of chasing every sales outlet, they began focusing on what actually brought a return. That meant letting go of low-performing pop-ups and overly complex CSA bouquets and doubling down on wholesale, standing florist orders, and their farm stand. With fewer distractions, they had more energy for the outlets that mattered most.
Lean Farming Systems That Work
Their farm transformed once they started planting with purpose. Rows of zinnias, for example, were once a jumbled mix of colors that made harvesting slow and frustrating. Now, they group crops by color and variety, bunch right in the field, and streamline straight into the cooler. Even simple tweaks like setting buckets at the end of each row saved hours each week.
On the crop planning side, they also learned to match what they grow with customer demand. Florists in their cooperative rave about specialty crops like didiscus, salpiglossis, and even garlic scapes. By leaning into niche varieties that are harder to find, Daybreak Farm carved out a profitable corner in a crowded New Jersey market.
Building Strong Florist Relationships
One of the most powerful shifts came from building trust with local florists through consistent standing orders. Instead of scrambling to sell stems week by week, Krissa and Bill now deliver curated buckets of their best blooms to florists who trust their eye. This not only saves time but also strengthens relationships, since florists feel like they’re getting something truly special.
Consistency also extended to their farm stand. By opening every weekend without fail, they built a loyal customer base that now considers their flowers part of their weekly routine.
Work-Life Balance on the Farm
About Krissa + Bill - Daybreak Farm
Nestled just a mile from the Jersey Shore, Daybreak Farm is a vibrant, one-acre flower farm owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Krissa and Bill Hoermann. What began as a dream in their driveway, selling tulips to neighbors, has grown into a thriving business known for its high-quality, locally grown blooms and strong relationships with florists across New Jersey.
Krissa and Bill have carved out a niche in an incredibly competitive market by focusing on specialty crops and intentional systems that make their small-scale farm remarkably efficient. Their approach blends beauty with strategy: every row is planted with purpose, every crop chosen for both demand and delight. They’ve mastered the art of balancing wholesale, a loyal CSA following, and a bustling farm stand.
Beyond their farming success, Krissa also co-owns a wedding and events studio, allowing her to merge her design expertise with their farm-grown flowers. Together, the Hoermanns have built a business rooted in efficiency, artistry, and authenticity, showing that even a one-acre farm can thrive and profit when built with heart and smart systems.
Follow their journey at daybreakflowers.com and on Instagram at @daybreakflowers
Perhaps the most inspiring part of their story is that all of these systems freed up more than just hours—they created space for life outside the farm. This summer, Krissa and Bill enjoyed time at the beach, golf outings, and dinners at a normal hour. Farming became sustainable not just financially, but personally too.
They prove that flower farming doesn’t have to consume every moment of your life. With systems in place, it’s possible to run a lean, profitable business and still have time for rest and joy.
Key Takeaways for Your Farm
If you’re a flower farmer looking to cut back on wasted hours and increase profitability, here are a few lessons from Daybreak Farm’s journey:
Track your expenses and sales closely. Knowing your numbers is the only way to see where money is leaking. Tools like crop expense and sales record templates can make this simple.
Plant with intention. Organize rows by color and variety, bunch in the field, and streamline harvest workflows.
Focus on profitable outlets. Not every market is worth your time. Double down where returns are strong.
Listen to your customers. Specialty crops that delight florists can set your farm apart in a competitive market.
Consistency builds loyalty. Whether it’s standing florist orders or a weekly farm stand, showing up reliably matters.
