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Tag Archives Seeds of Encouragement

Two horses, working in tandem, are stronger than one — and make a great metaphor for spouses in business together, proceeding forward in alignment.
Columns, Farm Life

How to have the conversation about prenups

Whatever the status of your relationship, the farm you share needs clarity

By
“So, you want to protect your farm in case of a divorce, understandably so! Can you do that with a prenup? Yes! If it’s valid and enforceable, and you include the right provisions, your farm can stay in your possession, even in the worst-case scenario of a divorce. Prenups can also supplement your estate planning […] Read more
Many future farmers are headed toward a “perfect storm” that may make difficult-but- necessary conversations both more difficult and more necessary.
Columns, Farm Life

Tips to navigate transition storms

The cash flow needed to acquire land can fall outside of long-term profitability

By
Last month, in the U.S., we heard Steven Bohr of Next Generation Ag Advocates encourage young farmers with tools for transition. The average price per acre in Iowa, as of last Nov. 1, is estimated at US$11,835, and 34 per cent of the land has owners over 75 years of age. Sixty per cent of […] Read more
A farm’s founders and successors alike need clarity of expectations.
Columns, Farm Life

Write the first draft now for your next chapter

You no longer have the luxury of avoiding hard conversations

By
Imagine how wonderful life would be on your farm if you did not have to guess what other folks on your farm team really want for their lives, and for the farm business? I had the great joy of speaking to 540 young Iowa farmers last month. Many of them are stuck in getting equity […] 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
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
It’s possible that lingering emotions from past stress may spawn fear of failure for the farm’s future finances.
Farm Life

Create more financial transparency with your farm team

Farm partners need to be able to be frank about their financial realities

By
Where is “You don’t talk about money!” written in the farm family rule book? Recently on a coaching call, a farm family admitted a huge “undiscussabull” within the family had caused great stress to their over-40-year-old son. This non-farming son did not have any clue about the profitability of the farm, what the parents needed […] Read more
A significant benefit of courageous conversations is in learning what everyone on the team thinks, feels and wants.
Columns, Farm Life

Just converse — it feels so good to talk

Know your communication style, and be ready to make room for others’ styles

By
Being able to talk freely with your farm team and feel they understand what you are needing is a huge gift! Accept you can’t make other people change, but you can change how you respond and handle things. Talking is the work. Decide today that you are going to become more self-aware and self-controlled around […] Read more
parents and an adult child discussing finances
Columns, Farm Life

Get the tough and tender transition conversations started in 2024

A farm’s founders may not want the embarrassment if they see a personal net worth lower than expected

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Seven years ago, here’s what I said about getting transition conversations started: Show up as adults to attack the issues, do not attack the person who is delivering ideas for change. Understand transition is a journey of many plans, with communication as the foundation. Spend some quiet time with yourself thinking about what you truly […] Read more
Why can’t farm moms ask for what they need?
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
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
Photo: skynesher/istock/getty images
Columns, Farm Life

Why power of attorney is important

For older farmers, it can provide financial protection and peace of mind as they age

By
Recently a friend was teary as she told me about a sudden change in her mom’s health. When I asked if she had power of attorney for her mother, her answer was a resounding “no way.” Her mom was procrastinating on seeing a lawyer to draw up necessary documents to protect her future. Are you […] Read more
If you want to build trust, you need to show care for the values of others, show up with competence and do your job well.
Farm Life, FarmLife

Froese: Stop the micromanaging

Farm founders can have a hard time letting the next generation take charge. Here are some tips that can help

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Men and women who are farm founders must eventually let go of being the ultimate decision makers as they mentor the next generation to be the main farm managers. This is not an easy dance. They need to learn to let go of being in control of every part, however small the enterprise or activity […] Read more

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