Mother in the middle

Mother in the middle

Farm Family Coach: This Mother’s Day, work to communicate with each other, not through Mom as an intermediary

When two family members are unable to have effective communication, they often turn to someone else to hear them out. Many times, alas, this is Mom.

Ron Tone started his own independent agronomy business in 1996 following a 17-year farming career in southern Manitoba.

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


How we connect with others, such as our parents, depends on variables including our cultural backgrounds, our personal styles — and our external stressors.

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

Photo: StockSeller_ukr/istock/getty images

Honest communication: The key for farm succession

Unsure of your future on the family farm? Helping Dad share his emotions can achieve clarity for all

The green of spring and summer in this country goes by far too quickly. Our eldest granddaughter turned six two months ago, which means I have just 12 summers left before she launches at 18. Yes, time is going by, and many farms may share this situation. As Mom and Dad age on the farm, […] Read more