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: ‘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
Froese: Intentional Wealth — and other books to spark conversations
These books are also full of ideas to help manage resources
I’ve pulled a few books off my library shelves to encourage you this month during the Great Pause to start having more open money conversations. Find an audiobook or borrow these great titles: Smart Money Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze. As a result of reading this book I’m giving my four-year-old granddaughter […] Read more
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
Froese: Valentine validation of farm women and beyond
Time to affirm that your partner’s feelings and opinions are valid and worthwhile
One of the side-effects of being homebound during the “Great Pause” is that I’ve become very fond of the predictable story arc of Hallmark movies. We have a bit of a game to see if the first kiss is within the last 15 minutes of the show. Farm marriages don’t need to get lost in […] Read more
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
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
Froese: St. Nick’s easy ways to kick-start succession success
How about some practical gifts that show you are serious about transition?
As Christmas approaches I wonder what special gifts would make your life easier. Most farm folks want better communication and harmony on their farm. What if you gave gifts this Christmas that shout loud and clear that you are ready to talk seriously about transition? Share gifts that create harmony through intentionally blocking time to […] Read more
Froese: Trading overwhelm for mental rest
When you can’t go south for the winter, what are your options for creating deeper rest?
Harvest on our farm finished October 7 which is a whole lot better than December 18 of 2019 for last year’s harvest. I can only imagine what you might be feeling as you read this, sitting down for a break wondering when the mental chatter in your brain is going to calm down. I’m a […] Read more
Froese: How to give thanks for getting unstuck
Imagine how good it will feel when you start to take positive action
October for farmers is a “get ’er done” kind of season where fall work is pressing and late-season crops are harvested, cattle are moved, and the list goes on. Last March when the Great Pause hit us, we were advised “not to waste a good crisis.” So on top of the routine things that we […] Read more
Froese: How to help founders get transition plans moving
Now is the time to check your mindset and consider how you can create certainty for yourself and the next generation
Long harvest hours give you time to think about what is working on your farm and what needs to be tweaked. Our thoughts drive our actions. It’s time to check your mindset to consider how you can create more certainty for yourself as the owner, and the next generation that wants a piece of equity […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
