As the farming population of boomers ages, so does the over eighty crowd. These aging patriarchs and matriarchs are still ruling farms, some with a heavy hand. This is not a happy situation for the twenty-something grandchildren who are dreaming of establishing their farming careers after college. It is also the cause of many […]
It’s okay to ask for help
A heatwave 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 your […]
Getting the Succession Discussion Started
June is more than half over and summer starts this weekend, but where is it written that you can’t do succession planning in the summer. For all of you who love podcasts, I was recently on the Working Cows podcast. Give this episode a listen and get the succession discussion started. Enjoy the podcast HERE […]
Growing to be a good good father
I’ve taken to music therapy to lift my mood during this Great Pause, and one of my favorite 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 […]
Clear Concise Communication
“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 […]
Stop breaking Momma’s heart…deal with your entitlement issues
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 word “deal with entitlement”. It’s that Undiscussabull, the bull in the middle of your farm family […]
What is your model of forgiveness?
s We are a family of faith who farms. We also count our blessings when things are going smoothly and we are getting along. Some days, there is conflict, but it is all resolvable. We choose to talk, express our perspectives, and create solutions without attacking the other person. This can be the culture on […]
Who gets to do what on this farm? A 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 that has April 20 as his magic target day for having all the equipment ready to go for seeding. As I […]
Creating a sense of urgency is a good thing
“Elaine, we started talking about this in 2014, and man, that was seven years ago,” quips the overwhelmed founder of a 5th generation farm. We need to get this done before seeding.” Where is it written that you cannot have conversations from the tractor while you are on auto-steer? Procrastination is killing agriculture. You didn’t […]
“Shut down” Insights to get folks to the transition table to talk
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 […]
