The new term in 2022 for sweat equity is “delayed compensation.”

Froese: Really love the next generation with decent compensation

And remember — if you are going to use sweat equity you must predetermine the value

My farmer came in for lunch to warm up and was reluctant to head back outside feeling chilled. His labour is now being compensated by a buyout plan from our successor son. What’s keeping me on the hot side today is processing the coaching conversations where the next gen is working for “free,” that is, […] Read more

What should you be doing in order to have a more healthy lifestyle?

Froese: Living the life you love as an aging farmer

What do you really want in the next phase of your life?

As the calendar winds down 2021, and the snow comes, it strikes us that another season is approaching. Farming gives us many clear signs that things don’t stay the same. This summer I met Nell Smith, age 80, the author of Retire to the Life You Love, practical tools for designing your meaningful future. It’s […] Read more


Ask yourself, “Why am I putting this off?” Give yourself a great fun reward for completion of the task.

Froese: Squashing the procrastination monster on your farm

There are many ways of putting things off. The question is: Why do we do this?

Recently on a virtual event with 126 financial advisers, I asked what their largest challenge was in serving farm clients. Sixty-four per cent named procrastination. This was no surprise as I have often quipped, “Procrastination and conflict avoidance are killing agriculture.” Speaker friend Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas of the Think Yourself Confident Podcast has described procrastination as […] Read more

Froese: What’s possible when people are separating and don’t want to go to war

Froese: What’s possible when people are separating and don’t want to go to war

Couples who are amicable and consider the farm successors will have a different outcome than those who are bickering

The Great Pause continues to amplify cracks in the family dynamic which may lead to separation and divorce in farm families. In my coaching practice this year for the first time I am navigating transition planning at the same time the founders are leaving their marriage. I am also receiving calls for help from women […] Read more



Froese: It’s OK to ask for help

Froese: It’s OK to ask for help

Where is it written that you always have to figure everything out on your own without any help?

A heat wave is looming. Drought on the Prairies is keeping folks awake at night. Farming folks are trying to cope with their brains on overload. Where is it written in the farming book of rules that you always figure things out on your own and never ask for help? Where is that written in […] Read more


These farm leaders and managers are opening up with vulnerability to find new ways to be a good father, and a team player.

Froese: Growing to be a good, good father on the farm

Sometimes this involves healing wounds in the family that are keeping the business stuck

I’ve taken to music therapy to lift my mood during this Great Pause, and one of my favourite playlist songs is “Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin. It helps me keep perspective on the character of God as we are all searching for answers far and wide. It reminds me of the many farm dads […] Read more

Froese: Stop breaking Mom’s heart — deal with your entitlement issues

Froese: Stop breaking Mom’s heart — deal with your entitlement issues

Many people avoid talking about this when it comes to farm transition plans. This has to stop

As Mother’s Day arrives in this Great Pause of 2021, many of you are caught in the messy middle of family dynamics. Let’s jump in and start dealing with the issue of entitlement on your farm team.  I use the words “deal with entitlement.” It’s that Undiscussabull, the bull in the middle of your farm […] Read more


Let’s be honest about the filters we carry as farmers.

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

Froese: Who gets to do what on the farm?

Froese: Who gets to do what on the farm?

Everyone should be aware of the family roles guide

Hope you are enjoying the longer days and warm sunshine on your farm. I also hope that panic is not rising as you anticipate getting ready for spring… whatever that means! I know a farmer who has April 20 as his magic target day for having all the equipment ready to go for seeding. As […] Read more