Farm founders need to let go of being the ultimate decision-maker as they mentor the next generation to be the main farm manager. This is not an easy dance. You need to learn to let go of being in control of every part, however small the enterprise or activity – that is the definition of micromanaging.

I have seen many farm women live out giving and serving the needs of their families over seasons of hard times and good times. The issue I want to address is: What if? What if you have a difficult mother who is stalling decision making for transferring assets to the next generation?

Remember, it is your farm, your family and your choice. Make great choices for family time.

When you can respond to conflict by trying to put yourself in the other person’s position and understand the other person’s point of view, you will have many insights.

An American farmwoman who moved from Florida to become part of a family farm in the cornfields of Iowa called me one day to say, “Elaine, I am tired of all the ranting on social media about problems with in-laws. Something needs to shift, and we need to see solutions.”

Several years ago, after my aunt’s funeral, we were in the forest where she was buried. We were ambling along the dirt road, and one of the little girls flew past me, her golden hair tickling the wind. She must have been about four years old dressed up in her Sunday best.