Let’s be honest about the filters we carry as farmers.

Froese: Clear, concise communication is better understood and received

Sometimes our automatic ‘filters’ get in the way of this so we need to be aware of what those could be

Elaine, I am feeling paralyzed and overwhelmed with this farm transfer thing.” “How do I talk to the kids without emotions running wild?” “We do fine until we try to get a sit-down family meeting with an agenda, then no one is really honest with what is going on here.” Communication that is clear, and […] Read more



Froese: ‘Shutdown’ insights to get folks to the transition table to talk

Froese: ‘Shutdown’ insights to get folks to the transition table to talk

Knowing some of the reasons why people shut down is good start to communication

The winter is cruising by and you are wondering if you are ever going to get a communication breakthrough to figure out “The Plan” for the future of your family and your farm. You might be the aging founder, the frustrated successor or the curious non-farm sibling. Whatever role you play, this scenario is impacting […] Read more


Froese: Letting go of the anger of failed succession plans

Froese: Letting go of the anger of failed succession plans

Despite the failed plan you have to get around the disappointment and see other opportunities

I can’t imagine what it feels like to think you are getting married and then find out at the rehearsal that the wedding is called off. Who do you go to, to ask for help to process that hurt, disappointment and embarrassment? There seems to be a parallel type of anger that follows a failed […] Read more

Intend to pass on your farm? There’s still time to plan and avoid large taxes

Intend to pass on your farm? There’s still time to plan and avoid large taxes

A farmer discovers a huge tax liability as he plans to transfer the farm to his nephew

In central Manitoba, a man we’ll call Harry, 81, has retired from a former life actively farming what was four quarters of grain. As Harry’s end of life comes into view, he wants to ensure that his sole heir, a nephew we’ll call Sam, does not wind up with a farm reduced or impoverished by […] Read more


Get clear first on the expectations of your family circle BEFORE you start listing your needs and wants with your advisers.

Froese: Hiding behind your advisers

Don’t expect your team of advisers to create a transition plan before you engage with the family

I just heard an estate planning lawyer, Chris Delaney mention that he is seeing farmers “sheltering in the tactics” rather than embracing what I call the “emotional factors affecting planning.” Delaney is the author of The Naked Opus, a novel approach to estate planning. It’s a very good read. Please understand, the foundation for great […] Read more

It’s clear that a modest financial base can produce substantial returns late in life with well-managed tax exposure and a view to transfer of assets to the next generation.

Farm Financial Planner: A Manitoba couple generates more income and pays less tax

How the couple secured retirement and transferred their remaining land to their son

In central Manitoba, a couple we’ll call Harry, 80, and Mary, 76, had a mixed grain and beef cattle farm for four decades. They sold the home quarter to their youngest son, taking back a long-term mortgage with favourable terms. They kept 320 acres, which they have rented out to a neighbour. Their plan was […] Read more


It’s time to bring people to the table to find what each person wants for their life, their family and their farm business.

Froese: How to pitch pride and get transition traction

If emotion is affecting transition — you need to talk

In 2003, Tom Hubler, a family business coach, told me “Pride and stubbornness” are barriers to a successful transition. This winter Beth Moore’s teaching has encouraged me to explore the aspects of pride that impact family harmony. Let’s dissect this touchy topic. 1. Heart. I am convinced the emotional factors affecting planning are keeping well-meaning […] Read more

Proper testing can serve as a surveillance program to better understand what diseases kill livestock.

BSE testing and the positives to your cattle herd

Animal Health with Roy Lewis: Testing is still needed to demonstrate producers' due diligence

In Canada, we have to keep up our BSE testing numbers to maintain and improve our status as a “controlled (low-risk) BSE risk country.” Along with testing to determine if a suspicious or downer animal has BSE, as a side benefit the veterinarian conducting the autopsy and sample collection can also determine the cause of […] Read more