Siblings farming together can make for many different, interesting, and somewhat challenging dynamics, especially if one of them is a brother. Here are some of the most common issues that can arise with farming brothers and how founding farmers and siblings can handle them. 11 Common Issues Amongst Farming Siblings 1. Oldest Brother Syndrome Birth […]
Love Does Not Read Minds: Being Fair in Farm Transition
An amazing group of Alberta farmers shared their deepest fears about farm transition with me at the 2018 Agriculture Service Board Conference. They texted me their biggest issues regarding fairness in transition planning. The Biggest Issues Regarding Fairness in Transition Planning I thought you might like to see what resonates with you in this list […]
Why Founding Farmers are Hanging On and How to Help Them Let Go
At 61, my life expectancy is 86. The math says I have a quarter of a century left to create a legacy, help others transition, and mentor the next generation. I am also now a grandmother who delights in reading Penny Grace stories, rocking her to sleep, and sharing her giggles. Life is precious. Recently […]
Ways to Increase the Cherish Factor With the One You Love
My husband of 36 years just dropped me off at the Minot airport in his pickup. We enjoyed the two-hour ride together listening to inspirational tunes and laughing when we had to stop to help herd stray Angus back to their farm. As farm kids, we both chased lots of cows and it reminded us […]
How to Tell Non-Farming Children They Aren’t Getting a RAW Deal
Our 33-year-old daughter was lamenting the fact that there is no longer a Sears Christmas Wishbook. Decades ago she delighted in flipping pages of the colored catalog seeking out requests for her wish list, hoping that the cherished gifts would be under our Christmas tree. I remember the not so happy Christmas when some of […]
Maintaining a Happy and Healthy Marriage on The Farm
It is Fall. A beautiful season of changing colors and attitude on the farm. Most farmers are starting to prepare for winter. I like winter because it is a great time to show some love to the people in your life, especially your spouse if you are married. Over the years I have shared many […]
Top Tips for Producing in Times of Economic Resets from Dr. David Kohl
Minnesotan farmer Paul Zimmerman extended a firm handshake and greeting on behalf of his daughter to Dr. David Kohl, a Professor Emeritus from Virgina Tech. Zimmerman’s daughter is a likely successor to their farm. She started her mentorship with Dr. Kohl’s insights in Mankato, MN years ago when she wrote notes as a high schooler […]
What Steps Are You Taking to Protect Your Farm Legacy?
The importance of keeping farm legacies alive is undeniable. Many farm families in Canada are reeling from the proposed tax changes, the biggest changes seen in 45 years. I just attended a webinar today on tax changes and their impact on farm families, so I encourage you to have a meeting soon with your accountant. […]
6 Tips for Emotional Agility During the Harvest Season
I love harvest time. The golden glow of waving wheat, the meals in the fields, and the joy of everyone on the farm team working hard to “get ‘er done!” 2017 is a stressful harvest for the folks suffering from drought, the after-effects of the 2016 delayed harvest, and a myriad of other issues. Regardless of […]
How to Help Dad Emotionally When It’s Time to Quit Farming
I recently posted about farm dads and the important role they play on the farm. After that, a reader asked me to write about the emotions of quitting farming for these important figures. Let’s take the approach of the farm culture attributes farm founders appreciate. What might it feel like when those qualities are present […]
