I am curious who people might think of when they read the headline for this column. Was it your new daughter-in-law who asks piles of questions about why you do things the way you do on your farm? Did you imagine your son-in-law driving quickly over the gravel as he left the yard? Is it […] Read more
Froese: Take a place at the decision-making table: tips for in-laws
Here’s how to be seen and heard on the family farm
How to ask for better compensation on the farm
Talking about money can be less stressful when you start with a “reality check” of what you need
Young farm families have many expectations to manage as they work on farms as employees, raise small children and juggle time to generate off-farm revenue. Asking for higher compensation can be difficult, and arguments arise when what you think you need is perceived by your employer, the farm parents, as a want. Talking about money […] Read more
Froese: Making sure you’re up to the task
Checklists that spell out peoples’ roles and responsibilities can contribute to happier farms
I believe folks are happy in their roles on the farm when it is clear what is expected of them, and they have the proper tools to get the job done. It is also important that older folks know what kind of work they want to do as they step back without stepping away. I’m […] Read more
Froese: Not having enough fun in your life?
Here are some tips to help farm men dial up the fun factor
Some farm men are experiencing a serious lack of fun, and this can start to influence the business, family harmony and all aspects of life. Finding your own fun and setting time aside for it is a choice. You can do it. I distinctly remember where we were on a gravel road when my farming […] Read more
Froese: Do you have a will?
If you’re a younger farmer, there’s a good chance you don’t. Here are some tips to help you get started
An Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada report, “Succession Planning on Canadian Farms,” refers to a 2019 Farm Financial Survey by Statistics Canada that showed most of the surveyed farm owners (81 per cent) had a will in place. However, the percentage was much smaller (58 per cent) for farmer owners under 40 years of age. Why […] Read more
Be a better listener
Feelings of not being heard can fuel frustration in farm families. Here are some tips that can help
In January, I had the delight of watching a group of 20 farm employees and managers racing against the clock to change race car tires in Bob Parker’s Pit Crew Challenge. Parker is a longtime friend and motivational speaker. His Pit Crew Challenge, which features real NASCAR-type race cars and former race car drivers, challenges […] Read more
Froese: Build your personal wealth bubble
Smart investing can reduce your dependence on farm business assets
Why is it important to have personal investments? I found a good answer to this question online: “Investing is an effective way to put your money to work and potentially build wealth. Smart investing may allow your money to outpace inflation and increase in value. The greater growth potential of investing is primarily due to […] Read more
Froese: Help for lonely hearts
For many young women, moving away to join farms far from home can be really difficult. Here are some tips that can help
I received a lengthy LinkedIn message from a woman concerned about her farming daughter who lives six hours south, far away from her former life in the city. It strikes a chord with me as I recall the teary eyes of young female agricultural leaders who express sadness at their lack of emotional support for […] Read more
Froese: Too much farm drama?
Here are some tools to help you get better at fixing farm fights
As this is Heart Month (February is a time to bring attention to the importance of cardiovascular health), I hope this finds you living a wholehearted life on your farm, not living with a broken heart. The deep emotions we carry as “stoic or stubborn” farmers need to come to the surface and let healing […] Read more
Froese: Reduce friction on the farm
Seeds of Encouragement: Transitioning to the next generation may be difficult at times. Here are some tips to help farm founders and their successors with the process
Recently, I participated in an AgvisorPro webinar looking at the risk factors in farm transition. Dean Klippenstine, a partner and agriculture business advisor with the accounting firm MNP in Regina, Sask., was another one of the speakers, and something he said really hit me: “I’d rather have really good management than lots of old money […] Read more
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