What if, instead of — ugh — “planning,” we set intentions for the given time we spend in our farm operations, then held ourselves accountable to create more meaningful ways of showing up?
Tag Archives communication
Increase farm productivity by being intentional about time
Farm Family Coach: Even if we hate making hard plans, we should work with clarity about what we want and need
Mastering communication is a work in perpetual progress
Farm Family Coach: The farming environment can be rich with opportunity for skill development
While it can get lost in the day-to-day, communication between farm family members can come with high stakes. Errors in family relations could be just as costly as running a sprayer boom into a power pole.
Having those tough conversations
A veteran agronomist, speaking at the recent Manitoba Agronomists Conference, offers advice on how to handle difficult discussions with clients
There is perhaps no bigger challenge for an agronomist than having a tough but frank conversation with a farmer client. You won’t get any argument on that count from Ron Tone. He founded Tone Ag Consulting in 1996, following a 17-year career as a farmer. His independent agricultural consulting firm specializes in damage claims, crop […] Read more
On-farm communication improves when we start with connection
Seeds of Encouragement: Where you stand with your offspring comes from their relationships to you
Elaine writes: In so many of the families we coach, we see communication breakdowns leading to escalation of conflicts. In some cases, using strategies that provide family members with the tools they need to have better communication can help — but in many cases a relationship between family members has broken down to the point […] Read more
Even in a weak economy, strong performers exist
Investing for Fun and Profit: We limit our exposure in some sectors, but ‘there’s more than one way to skin a cat’
The saying “There’s more than one way to skin a cat” probably dates back to medieval times when both domestic and wild cats were skinned for their fur. A literal interpretation would be rather repugnant in modern times, yet the saying persists to represent multiple ways to achieve a goal. Two issues ago, I bemoaned […] Read more
Can Canada’s banks and telcos maintain as reliable performers?
Investing for Fun and Profit: Also includes an update on the latest status of the Titanium Strength Portfolio
This is my 100th column over the past six years for Grainews. I hope you’ve enjoyed the wit and wisdom, albeit limited, and that my musings helped your off-farm investing success. This is also the first column written following the May 15 anniversary of the Titanium Strength Portfolio (TSP). At its outset, the purpose was […] 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: Stop the micromanaging
Farm founders can have a hard time letting the next generation take charge. Here are some tips that can help
Men and women who are farm founders must eventually let go of being the ultimate decision makers as they mentor the next generation to be the main farm managers. This is not an easy dance. They need to learn to let go of being in control of every part, however small the enterprise or activity […] Read more
AgriCommunication plan to seek farmer-consumer dialogue
Ag exhibitions among expected beneficiaries
The federal government has put up new funding toward improving consumers’ awareness of the “strengths” of Canada’s ag sector — and to improve farmer awareness of what those consumers want and expect. Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau on Thursday announced an $8 million, three-year funding envelope for the first of two streams of what’s now called […] Read more
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
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
