First of all, my apologies to any readers named “Nancy”, this is not really about you. I have coined the phrase “nasty Nancy” to describe anger-filled farm coaching clients. These are the folks who are extremely negative, they threaten to leave the room and the conversation often. They are really closed off to any awareness […]
A New Frame to see Transition Possibility and Movement
If you’re sorting cows or waiting on combines, grab five minutes to soak this story in. You cannot neglect tending to the needs of your cows. Let’s talk about embracing the same urgency with your farm transition conversations. My speaker friend Shelle Rose Charvet, author of Words that Change Minds, has tools for better language […]
Decreasing your money woes by tracking personal expenses
A wise person once said you can have more money over a long time if you make more than you spend or spend less than you make. The rollercoaster of grain prices has pinched many farm folks who are saying “I shoulda….”. What you can do is keep better track of what you are spending […]
How to talk to your Boomer Dad and Mom
As a Hudson Institute Certified coach I’ve been taught to always ask, “How old are you?” This is not rude. This is a helpful piece of information to assess what key issues need to be talked about. Scott Zimmer of Bridgeworks has helped me with de-coding helpful language for communication between the generations. Here are […]
Saying “sorry” at harvest
Sometimes I wish I didn’t have real-life examples of how I make mistakes, but my mishaps make good fodder for this blog. One harvest I was the combine driver who backed into the fuel truck while I was unloading my auger for a cleanout to move to the next field. I have a bad habit […]
A Warning to the Over 80 Farmer
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 […]
