Estate and succession planning can feel overwhelming, and it’s no surprise that many producers put it off. Many factors and unknowns come into play and can include: fear of losing your identity, not wanting to give up control, ego, fear of things changing and not wanting to hurt people’s feelings.

Estate and succession planning can feel overwhelming, and it’s no surprise that many producers put it off. Many factors and unknowns come into play and can include: fear of losing your identity, not wanting to give up control, ego, fear of things changing and not wanting to hurt people’s feelings.

We are entering autumn – harvest season and “get everything done on the list before winter comes” season. This season is impacted by the weather, so we check the forecast regularly. (Let’s be honest, at our age, we check it at least once a day, anyway.)

John and Deanne Chuiko and their children, Matt and Rylee, operate the family ranch, CJ Ranching, in St. Walburg, Saskatchewan, that was homesteaded by John’s grandfather in 1941.

Step onto Lowe Family Farmstead near Kuna and you’ll find a conventional farm growing feed corn and wheat. And if you come in the fall, you’ll find a corn maze, hayrides, livestock interactions and dozens of other on-the-farm activity options.

Nestled in Cartwright, Manitoba, is Silver Lake Farms, a family operation that is a testament to strategic breeding, agricultural innovation and generational commitment to livestock excellence.

How do successful beef producers make sure there is balance between the demands of the ranch and the other aspects of a healthy life?