“Elaine, Dad just won’t give up control on the farm!” This is a common frustration I hear from the next generation of farmers trying to navigate into management and ownership before a farm transition. When we dedicate ourselves to something for decades, it’s no wonder it can be tough to give up control on the […]
How to Get Unstuck in Your Farm Transition Plan
October for farmers is a “get ‘er done” kind of season where fall work is pressing, late-season crops are harvested, cattle are moved, and the list goes on. Last March, when the Great Pause hit us, we were advised: “not to waste a good crisis.” So, on top of the routine things that we manage, […]
Lend Me Your Ear at Harvest: Audio Inspiration for Farmers
As I write this on Sept 7th, Labour Day, we are 25 percent done our harvest, being very thankful for a great crop. Like you, we are putting in long hours to reap the rewards, and hopefully, to dodge the frost, rain, winds, and assorted field threats. Over the summer, I’ve been listening to folks […]
6 Tips for Managing Brotherly Conflict on the Farm
“I can’t believe that we have farmed together for over 25 years and the fights between these two brothers just don’t stop!”, says the exasperated farm woman who has had enough with the brotherly conflict on the farm. There’s no time like the present to reflect on how you want things to be different at […]
Farm Transition Planning: 19 Ways to Change Your Mindset
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 who wants a piece of equity […]
11 Ways to Get More Time Off the Farm
It’s late August, harvest is in high gear, cattle need to be moved, and you think you cannot stop working. Your voice is louder, and your sleep is lousy, and you wonder if you are going to stay married with all the demands on your time. In your busy life as a farmer, you might […]
14 Tips for How to Prevent Divorce on Farms
Each year is a new year of possibilities. Though there may always be struggles, there are also opportunities to create a stronger marriage in 2020 and beyond. With that in mind, today I’m going to share 14 actionable tips for how to prevent divorce on the farm. The Threat of Divorce to the Farm Family […]
TransFARMation: Avoiding “Burnout” on the Farm
It is easy to burn out, especially in this COVID-19 world. In this episode of the Red River Farm Network Podcast, I encourage farmers and ranchers to consider the roles they have in life. “How are you practicing self-care? How well are you taking care of your marriage? How are you nurturing your family? For […]
When Farm Brothers Disagree: Advice for the Next Generation of Farm Managers
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. However, it is time we faced the issue of disagreement among farm […]
12 Ideas for Summer Fun on the Farm
Sitting close to the water, feeling the warm sunshine on my face, tracking the clouds: these are things that help me feel renewed by nature. Farmers are a lucky lot as they are in nature every day. It just depends on their mindset, whether they are being renewed or riled. Summer 2020 will breeze by […]
