Craig and Woody 
Oliver farm with their sons, Lee and Lachlan.


Meet your farming neighbours: Craig and Woody Oliver

Craig and Woody Oliver and their sons farm in Victoria, Australia

Every farm has its own story. No two farms (or farmers) are exactly alike. Everyone got started in a different way, and every farm has a different combination of family and hired staff who make the decisions and keep things running. But, in general, even after you consider all of the details, farmers are more alike than different, even when they’re on […] Read more

Froese: When brothers don’t see eye to eye

Froese: When brothers don’t see eye to eye

One of the bulls in the middle of the farmhouse that we need to chase after is the undiscussabull of “my brother would never agree to that.” These transition conversations are as fresh as a newly minted cow plop, and they stink, too. “Elaine, my dad is great to work with, but he won’t stand […] Read more



Five reasons to make a farm business plan

Five reasons to make a farm business plan

Many farmers do not have a business plan. Here are five reasons to make one for your farm

Actually doing a business plan for your farm can be a real chore for many farmers since they are “hands-on” people that prefer the actual day-to-day work (which is always necessary) rather than “desk work.” However, as operations become larger, more complex and involve more people the reasons for business plans become more important. Here […] Read more


The Ference’s focus is to “work smarter and do more with less,” believing that diversity in many agriculture sectors is important to allow for success and part of their succession planning.

Outstanding Young Farmers awards go to Alberta and Ontario

Diversified farming operations receive national recognition

Two completely different, but well-managed mixed farming operations in Alberta and Ontario were named as Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) in early December at the OYF national awards competition in Winnipeg, Man. After winning regional nominations in their home provinces, Craig and Jinel Ference of Double F Farms near Kirriemuir, Alta., and brothers, Jordan and […] Read more

There may be a sense of relief that a person who was draining energy and creating conflict and drama on the farm is no longer working there.

Fired from the farm

How do you tell a son or daughter that they are not a good fit for the farm?

As a farm family coach I hear the struggles of farmers who are used to being able to quickly repair or fix problems that arise daily. When these hard-working, well-intentioned folks have a farming adult child who is not a good fit for the farm, great stress lingers far too long. If you try to […] Read more


Jay and Jennifer Bruggencate and Mike and Kelly Sulzle and their families farm together at Vector Grain near Lacombe, Alta., as a joint venture.

Meet your farming neighbours: The Bruggencates and Sulzles

This is the story of a joint venture between 
the Bruggencates and the Sulzles

Every farm has its own story. No two farms (or farmers) are exactly alike. Everyone got started in a different way, and every farm has a different combination of family and hired staff who make the decisions and keep things running. But, in general, even after you consider all of the details, farmers are more […] Read more

Jason Craig and his wife Jenn with their two children, Jayden and Jemma.

Meet your farming neighbours: The Craigs

This is the story of Jason Craig and 
his family farm, near Delburne, Alta.

Every farm has its own story. No two farms (or farmers) are exactly alike. Everyone got started in a different way, and every farm has a different combination of family and hired staff who make the decisions and keep things running. But, in general, even after you consider all of the details, farmers are more […] Read more


Seven rules of behaviour for family farm teams

Seven rules of behaviour for family farm teams

When the next generation comes home, Elaine Froese says families can set up some rules of engagement right away so everyone knows and can operate within that culture. When new people join the team, it can help to clarify expectations. “Culture is the invisible glue that holds the farm and the family together. It is […] Read more

Robbie and Vickie Ripplinger’s four girls play a huge role in making the farm run smoothly.

Meet your farming neighbours: Vickie and Robbie Ripplinger

Vickie and Robbie Ripplinger are raising 
four girls on their family farm

Every farm has its own story. No two farms (or farmers) are exactly alike. Everyone got started in a different way, and every farm has a different combination of family and hired staff who make the decisions and keep things running. But, in general, even after you consider all of the details, Prairie farmers are […] Read more