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.

How you respond to stress defines you. It shapes your leadership, relationships and ultimately, your business’ success. The way you handle pressure doesn’t just affect your decisions – it affects everyone around you. Your employees, partners and family feel the ripple effects of your reactions, for better or worse.

How we each connect with others, especially our parents, depends on many variables, including our cultural backgrounds, external stressors impacting our mental health and our unique personal styles. It's important to recognize that each person may need something different to feel safe and secure in his or her attachment. My hope for farm families is that they can recognize that communication can only improve when we start with connection.  

When it comes to food safety and sustainability, portable sanitation is crucial for compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Proper restrooms, hand-washing stations and routine sanitation maintenance not only reduce the risk of contamination but also safeguard farmworkers and consumers.

The University of Idaho Extension's 2025 Custom Rates Survey helps farmers compare costs of doing farm work themselves versus hiring custom operators.

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.

There is usually a period of uncertainty during the months prior to national elections that can cause many individuals, organizations and companies to delay making major decisions until after the votes are counted and more is known about the next administration.