For Aaron Ninnemann, his family’s dairy farm is a classic example of a generationally run business whose family members have worked diligently for decades, making a name for themselves within the dairy industry. The Ninnemanns embraced automated milking in a tiestall barn retrofit to keep dairying alongside a growing cash crop operation.

“My business philosophy was to start small and grow slow,” Ray says. Today, he has seven small farms with a processing plant and a feed mill. He produces close to 1 million pounds per year of trout, catfish, tilapia, sturgeon and caviar. At their peak production (prior to the pandemic), they produced over 1.5 million pounds per year.

Steppler Farms, located in Miami, Manitoba, is the largest registered purebred Charolais herd in the province. Run by Andre Steppler, his wife Katie and their three kids (Brynn, Brayden and Declan), the operation continues to breed cattle for productivity and show ring appeal, while creating a legacy for generations to come.

It is important to have a comprehensive estate plan for farm and ranch families to ensure smooth property transfer to the next generation. Here are 10 tools that can be used to help with the transfer.

A dry and cool Red Deer, Alberta, welcomed the dairy industry March 5-7 for the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar. Students, producers and industry professionals gathered for the three-day conference and settled in to learn about topics relating to this year’s theme, “Excellence in efficiency.”

Taking a minute to set up a succession and estate plan early on can allow the operation to continue successfully for the next generation.

Succession planning is not just another task on your to-do list – it’s a defining moment in your leadership. Are you willing to step up and take ownership of the future of your operation? It’s time to stop waiting for the right moment and start leading with intention.

Beef producers have been hearing about the methods of low-stress livestock handling and reaping the benefits for a long time. There is no question that efforts to create low-stress environments for cattle results in an improved experience and productivity for both the animals and their handlers.