Sticking to a family code of conduct means respect and honesty in communication, and commitment to healthy, emotionally intelligent forms of conflict resolution.

Using common ground for written agreements

Seeds of Encouragement: Put intentions and interests into well written words before change inevitably comes

I hope you are reading this on your phone while waiting in the field, which would mean #plant2024 conditions are perfect to go. The type of “common ground” I refer to in the headline is not your soil; it’s the things everyone on your farm team is committed to work toward. As mediators in conflict […] Read more

One marker in a farmer’s life should be to set up a succession plan that keeps family bonds intact.

Finding a ‘bridge’ over transition waters

A will or partnership agreement is important, but is not a farm succession plan

Maggie Van Camp understands the challenges as well as the tremendous value of farm succession planning. She’s been on that road a couple of times in her life as a seventh-generation Ontario farmer, as well as a communicator and agricultural consultant. The first time was after the sudden death of her husband in a farming […] Read more


It can be an interesting journey to graciously let go of control and mentor the next manager of your farm business.

Froese: Reduce friction on the farm

Seeds of Encouragement: Transitioning to the next generation may be difficult at times. Here are some tips to help farm founders and their successors with the process

Recently, I participated in an AgvisorPro webinar looking at the risk factors in farm transition. Dean Klippenstine, a partner and agriculture business advisor with the accounting firm MNP in Regina, Sask., was another one of the speakers, and something he said really hit me: “I’d rather have really good management than lots of old money […] Read more

Froese: ‘Shutdown’ insights to get folks to the transition table to talk

Froese: ‘Shutdown’ insights to get folks to the transition table to talk

Knowing some of the reasons why people shut down is good start to communication

The winter is cruising by and you are wondering if you are ever going to get a communication breakthrough to figure out “The Plan” for the future of your family and your farm. You might be the aging founder, the frustrated successor or the curious non-farm sibling. Whatever role you play, this scenario is impacting […] Read more


It’s time to bring people to the table to find what each person wants for their life, their family and their farm business.

Froese: How to pitch pride and get transition traction

If emotion is affecting transition — you need to talk

In 2003, Tom Hubler, a family business coach, told me “Pride and stubbornness” are barriers to a successful transition. This winter Beth Moore’s teaching has encouraged me to explore the aspects of pride that impact family harmony. Let’s dissect this touchy topic. 1. Heart. I am convinced the emotional factors affecting planning are keeping well-meaning […] Read more

How to pass on and preserve the family farm and generate retirement income

How to pass on and preserve the family farm and generate retirement income

A couple puts an equitable plan in place for their children, only one of whom will continue to farm

A couple we’ll call Harry, 53, and Martha, 50, farm 5,500 acres in Manitoba’s Interlake region. They have three children ages 19, 20 and 24. Only the eldest, who we’ll call Bruce, is interested in taking over the farm one day. The other two see their destinies in what could be called town jobs. The […] Read more


Procrastination is killing agriculture. Way too many families are drifting with no clarity of expectations of each other or the future.

Froese: How to help founders get transition plans moving

Now is the time to check your mindset and consider how you can create certainty for yourself and the next generation

Long harvest hours give you time to think about what is working on your farm and what needs to be tweaked. Our thoughts drive our actions. It’s time to check your mindset to consider how you can create more certainty for yourself as the owner, and the next generation that wants a piece of equity […] Read more

Froese: Risk, choice and opportunity — your farm’s transition

Froese: Risk, choice and opportunity — your farm’s transition

Start by looking at the challenges, creating solutions and beginning the process with a trusted adviser

Late last year I decided to stop listening to sad farm transition stories, proposing a new hashtag for Twitter #healingstories4ag. “Succession planning would be considerably less difficult if the long-term stability of the agricultural industry was more predictable. Given the current hurdles, long-term profitability is very uncertain! I do not wish to transfer an operation […] Read more


Farm Financial Planner: Farm transfer could lead to “hobby farm” status

Farm Financial Planner: Farm transfer could lead to “hobby farm” status

Passing on an unprofitable farm can raise tax challenges for the next generation

A couple we’ll call George and Mary have farmed in south-central Manitoba for the last 35 years on a third-generation family farm. Each is 60 years old. Their dilemma is generational transfer. Their issue is the fundamental low level of profitability that could, if not handled properly, cause the farm owner to lose their ability to […] Read more

You have to share what’s in your head with your farm team. People can’t read minds.

Love does not read minds

You need to share what’s in your head and heart so have those farm transition discussions

An amazing group of Alberta farmers shared their deepest fears with me at the 2018 Agriculture Service Board Conference. They texted me their biggest issues regarding fairness in transition planning. I thought you might like to see what resonates for you in this list of texts (no particular order). What I have had to come […] Read more