Procrastination is killing agriculture. Way too many families are drifting with no clarity of expectations of each other or the future.

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

This close-up shows the superb beauty in a single clematis flower.

Ted answers questions about clematis, cabbages and tomatoes

Singing Gardener: Plus, some pest controls to try out on your garden plants

A gardener recently told me about his disappointing and frustrating experience with a clematis. “It suddenly collapsed after appearing in good health earlier.” He continued, “It’s as though someone had cut off the entire plant at ground level, when in fact such wasn’t the case. What happened?” he asked of me. I told him: “Sounds […] Read more


Who doesn’t love spuds?

Who doesn’t love spuds?

First We Eat: No matter how potatoes are served, most would agree, they are a favourite veggie

As a dedicated spudnut, I save potatoes for seed. This year I planted Pink Fir Apples, Amarosas, Kennebecs, German Butterballs, Linzer Delikatess, Yukon Golds, Norlands and Purple Vikings. When I dig the first crop, it’s a sign that we’ll be eating spud dishes of all sorts: boxty, champ, shepherd’s pie, colcannon, kugel, latkes, Parmentier, rosti, […] Read more

Is running good for you?

Is running good for you?

Fit to Farm: Yes it can be but there are some things you need to know

A fitness rumour that is often heard is, “running isn’t good for you.” Is it true? The short answer is — no — running is not bad for you. However, using running as your only form of cross-training does have the potential for harm. Running without a planned-out strategy will likely end in burnout and […] Read more


Froese: How to increase the fun factor this summer

Froese: How to increase the fun factor this summer

With many activities being cancelled or postponed — time to get creative

Sitting close to the water, feeling warm sunshine on my face, tracking the clouds, helps me feel renewed by nature. Farmers are a lucky lot as they are in nature every day, it just depends on their mindset whether they are being renewed or riled. Summer 2020 will breeze by quickly. The key question for […] Read more

Changing weather means changing diet

Changing weather means changing diet

First We Eat: As the weather warms up it’s time to get out the ice-cream maker

When my dog Jake brought the season’s first tick into the house, I knew for certain that the weather had changed, and spring had arrived. But there’s an upside. That break in the weather means it’s time to eat ice cream. Dave eats ice cream year round, or claims he does. But what I know […] Read more


Froese: Encouraging farm fathers

Froese: Encouraging farm fathers

Here’re some ways and practical tools to help you do just that

If I could show you a way to increase the family harmony on your farm and help you be more profitable at the same time would you listen? Would you be courageous enough to look at your own issues, strengths and weaknesses? I bet you would if it was easy. People problems on farms are […] Read more

Weight training — when done intelligently for each individual — is just as effective as other types of exercise in improving health.

The truth about weight training

Fit to Farm: When done properly it can be a very effective exercise routine

“At your age, should you really be lifting weights?” “Isn’t weight training dangerous for your joints? Does that really help you feel better?” “Aren’t you worried about getting injured again?” “I heard that weight training is bad for you — doesn’t it cause arthritis?” These are some things my clients have heard when their peers/families/friends […] Read more


Hands-on food

Hands-on food

First We Eat: As we all spend more time at home why not try making your own pasta?

Before the pandemic, I spent an afternoon at my neighbour Sharon’s house, teaching her how to make pasta. Sharon and I drank wine and told stories as we cooked, although she stopped talking during her first effort at feeding a strap of dough into the pasta maker. When she caught the first handful of noodles […] Read more

Froese: One day at a time tips for the ‘Great Pause’

Froese: One day at a time tips for the ‘Great Pause’

These days more than ever we need to remember ‘the only time that exists is right now’

Sun streams onto my computer as I imagine what life is like for you on your farm in the middle of May 2020. I’ve just been blessed by the wise words of Donna Brighton, of the Brighton Leadership group, a wise coach and realistic woman. Our families need us to lead from the core of […] Read more