family Archives - Grainews

Ask, don’t assume, what level of involvement each person would like to have in the farm’s decision-making process.

Build a simple, effective farm framework for decision-making

Seeds of Encouragement: Ask the right questions now to establish a governance model that works for your farm family

By Elaine Froese October 21, 2024

If you listen to enough ag podcasts, you’ll soon conclude that the success of a farm family business comes from people having the power to flourish and make good decisions. Courtney Pullen’s book Intentional Wealth: How Families Build Legacies of Stewardship and Financial Health speaks to effective family systems. Strong families that know their values […] Read more

Would you be able to sit with your thoughts and feelings just a while to consider how you are aging and managing in place on your farm?

Columns, Farm Life

Being an emotionally strong farm parent

Strong-willed and independent people might consider a self-coaching approach

By Elaine Froese March 5, 2024

Tis the season of farm meetings, where the speakers will talk about business and “keeping the emotion” out of business using data to make concrete decisions. I don’t debate this approach for grain marketing, but I highly doubt stuffing emotions on the farm creates clarity of expectations or happy outcomes. Recently I met Carolyn Stern, […] Read more

Columns, Farm Life

Why can’t farm moms ask for what they need?

It could be due to scarcity mindsets, generational neglect of needs or disrespect of in-laws

By Elaine Froese December 26, 2023

December can be an emotionally strained month with high expectations for seasonal celebrations and gifts. Last year, due to a myriad of circumstances and miscommunication, my Christmas stocking was skinny, and truthfully, I was disappointed and tempted to feel sorry for myself. When you consider the terrible wars in the Middle East and Ukraine though, […] Read more

Farm Life

Be a better listener

Feelings of not being heard can fuel frustration in farm families. Here are some tips that can help

By Elaine Froese March 23, 2023

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

FarmLife

When it’s hard to honour Mom what can I do?

When you’re feeling stuck in your relationship here’s some suggestions

By Elaine Froese May 30, 2022

Coming to terms with a farm mom who is difficult to deal with may not be what you were expecting to read. After decades coaching farm families, one might expect that farm moms always are collaborative and willing to negotiate what is the best for all members of the family. Recently, the word “narcissist” has […] Read more

General

New rule on farm transfer tax treatment put off to 2022

Farm groups protest delay

By Dave Bedard, GFM Network News July 14, 2021

Rule changes passed in a federal bill to standardize tax treatment for sales of family-owned farms and small businesses will be delayed to the start of 2022, to the dismay of several farm groups. Bill C-208, a private member’s bill spearheaded by western Manitoba Conservative MP Larry Maguire with amendments to the federal Income Tax […] 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.

Farm Life, FarmLife

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

By Elaine Froese June 18, 2021

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

Columns

How to get more time off on the farm

This will mean considering some new approaches and making some intentional choices

By Elaine Froese September 17, 2020

Harvest is in high gear, cattle are moving and you think you cannot stop working. Your voice is louder and your sleep is lousy and you wonder if you are going to stay married with all the demands on your time. You have choices. Consider a new approach. Time for a mindset shift. 1. Track […] Read more

The perfect gift may be a heartfelt letter to a family member expressing your appreciation.

Farm Life, FarmLife

The gift of healing stories in agriculture

This gift will not cost you any money — only your time and attention

By Elaine Froese December 24, 2019

Pierrette believes as I do that positive feedback and pointing out good actions is important to creating a healthier culture in our farm teams. Pouzer and Koutes authored Encouraging the Heart of Your Business that echoes the same theme. As Christmas celebrations approach I’d like to challenge you to take a risk this year in […] Read more

FarmLife

After 40 years what matters most?

When you figure that out and what you really want in your life, that will affect your intentional choices

By Elaine Froese December 17, 2018

The clouds at 30,000 feet are keeping me company as I write and reflect. My ears hear Celtic tunes of praise while I contemplate the lessons of the last four decades. November 10, 1978 marked the first day of my move to Boissevain to serve farm families with Manitoba Agriculture as an extension home economist. […] Read more

U.S. livestock: Cattle markets mostly higher

U.S. grains: Chicago corn, soybeans and wheat firm ahead of crop estimate

Canola groups disappointed in Carney’s plan to help growers, biofuel

GFM Network News