https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us karen@agproud.com In late January, PDP’s Managers Academy ventured off the mainland for its first-ever event in San Juan, Puerto Rico. With the theme, “Business Prime on Island Time,” the event challenged dairy producers and industry representatives to take a closer look at their business structure and how to position it for success into the next generation. In late January, PDP’s Managers Academy ventured off the mainland for its first-ever event in San Juan, Puerto Rico. With the theme, “Business Prime on Island Time,” the event challenged dairy producers and industry representatives to take a closer look at their business structure and how to position it for success into the next generation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62879 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62879-progressive-events-dairy-managers-planned-for-the-future-in-puerto-rico 62879-lee-Finca-Neo-Jibairo.jpg tim.schaefer@encore-consultants.net Succession planning is really people planning, and people bring motivations, fears, assumptions, habits and histories to the table. Recognizing those barriers early – and understanding the concerns behind them – can turn a stuck process into real momentum. Succession planning is really people planning, and people bring motivations, fears, assumptions, habits and histories to the table. Recognizing those barriers early – and understanding the concerns behind them – can turn a stuck process into real momentum.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62841 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62841-5-barriers-to-farm-succession-plans tim.schaefer@encore-consultants.net Every generation will either lose a farm legacy or strengthen it. There often isn’t a middle ground. When we think of dairy legacies, we think of cattle and barns, but really, we admire dairy families. Every family will have a next generation, and we owe it to them to put them on the best possible footing. It's their future but your legacy. Every generation will either lose a farm legacy or strengthen it. There often isn’t a middle ground. When we think of dairy legacies, we think of cattle and barns, but really, we admire dairy families. Every family will have a next generation, and we owe it to them to put them on the best possible footing. It's their future but your legacy.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62743 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62743-ready-or-not-here-they-come-preparing-the-next-generation-to-lead-dairy-farms Whenever I think about family farm transition planning – I always think of a paradoxical statement. Yes, the landscape of transition planning in the dairy sector is becoming increasingly complex and yet the issues and opportunities many families face today have been the same for decades – they’re just now at a heightened level. Whenever I think about family farm transition planning – I always think of a paradoxical statement. Yes, the landscape of transition planning in the dairy sector is becoming increasingly complex and yet the issues and opportunities many families face today have been the same for decades – they’re just now at a heightened level. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62260 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62260-the-evolving-dairy-succession-landscape mark.sherin@osaicfa.com We spoke to more than 100 dairy operators, farmers and ranchers, and the top three concerns were protecting assets for future generations, minimizing tax liabilities and ensuring a successful succession or exit strategy. Let’s explore how family farmers can address each one. We spoke to more than 100 dairy operators, farmers and ranchers, and the top three concerns were protecting assets for future generations, minimizing tax liabilities and ensuring a successful succession or exit strategy. Let’s explore how family farmers can address each one.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62095 Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62095-top-3-financial-planning-concerns-for-agribusiness-owners-and-operators william.oppriecht@compeer.com Transitioning a dairy operation through lease, sale or partnership involves more complexity than many other farm enterprises. This article discusses some key areas that require careful attention. Transitioning a dairy operation through lease, sale or partnership involves more complexity than many other farm enterprises. This article discusses some key areas that require careful attention.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61977 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61977-non-traditional-transitions-in-dairy-farming joy.kirkpatrick@wisc.edu Normalizing the fact that there will be tensions and taking the time to consider your farm’s tensions can set the farm on the path to a more resilient succession plan. This article discusses strategies for a smoother succession process. Normalizing the fact that there will be tensions and taking the time to consider your farm’s tensions can set the farm on the path to a more resilient succession plan. This article discusses strategies for a smoother succession process.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61811 Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61811-tensions-during-farm-succession matti@agproud.com South of Edmonton, Alberta, in Leduc County, Dieter Gagelmans works to fulfill his dream of owning his own dairy farm. His story is one of hard work and dedication, not unlike others in the industry, though his differs slightly from most. South of Edmonton, Alberta, in Leduc County, Dieter Gagelmans works to fulfill his dream of owning his own dairy farm. His story is one of hard work and dedication, not unlike others in the industry, though his differs slightly from most.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61726 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61726-young-dairy-farmer-paves-his-own-path-to-ownership-el-shaddai-dairies 61726-mcbride-family.jpg elaine@elainefroese.com Every farm family has a story, and I have had the joy of spending two days with 380 Nebraska women in agriculture at their 40th conference. In her session, Katie Samples Dean, a very direct and farm-owner lawyer, suggested that many plans for succession and transition are foiled or are the wrong plan because Grandma did or does not understand the consequences of her decision-making. Every farm family has a story, and I have had the joy of spending two days with 380 Nebraska women in agriculture at their 40th conference. In her session, Katie Samples Dean, a very direct and farm-owner lawyer, suggested that many plans for succession and transition are foiled or are the wrong plan because Grandma did or does not understand the consequences of her decision-making.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61751 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61751-how-the-older-generation-can-set-their-family-up-for-success-during-a-farm-transition tim.schaefer@encore-consultants.net Sustainability is a buzzword we often hear, but what about the sustainability of the family farm? What does it take for a farm to sustain itself generation after generation? Why does it seem so hard? Sustainability is a buzzword we often hear, but what about the sustainability of the family farm? What does it take for a farm to sustain itself generation after generation? Why does it seem so hard?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61130 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61130-are-you-intentional-with-your-farm-business-in-these-areas 61130-schaefer-graphic.jpg In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, learn how to set your star employees up for success as they transition into a supervisor role. Dr. Bob Milligan joins host Kimmi Devaney to chat about easing stress during this leadership transition, getting buy-in from other employees as their peer becomes their supervisor, skills that are essential to work on before transitioning into a leadership role and much more. In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, learn how to set your star employees up for success as they transition into a supervisor role. Dr. Bob Milligan joins host Kimmi Devaney to chat about easing stress during this leadership transition, getting buy-in from other employees as their peer becomes their supervisor, skills that are essential to work on before transitioning into a leadership role and much more.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61144 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61144-podcast-bob-milligan-effectively-transitioning-into-a-supervisor-role 022525-PD-Podcast-preview-image.jpg mark.sherin@osaicfa.com We are going to discuss step three of our six-step exit planning process, which is to identify the type of exiting owner you most resemble. Why does this matter? Because all succession and exit plans do not follow the same path, and appropriately so. We are going to discuss step three of our six-step exit planning process, which is to identify the type of exiting owner you most resemble. Why does this matter? Because all succession and exit plans do not follow the same path, and appropriately so.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60918 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60918-you-are-one-of-a-kind-or-at-least-one-of-four-kinds matti@agproud.com In a conversation with Matthew and Mike Flaman of Chris-Adie Holsteins, it’s obvious that their cows are top priority. Terms like “cow flow” and “cow comfort” pepper their descriptions of the operation. With an average of 38-40 litres of milk per day, the Holsteins of Chris-Adie are well cared for. In a conversation with Matthew and Mike Flaman of Chris-Adie Holsteins, it’s obvious that their cows are top priority. Terms like “cow flow” and “cow comfort” pepper their descriptions of the operation. With an average of 38-40 litres of milk per day, the Holsteins of Chris-Adie are well cared for.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60871 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60871-chris-adie-holsteins-staying-cow-oriented-while-looking-to-the-future 60871-mcbride-people.jpg andrew@farmlifefinancial.ca The challenges facing today’s dairy farmers are vastly different from those of previous generations. Rising costs, environmental regulations and technological advancements have created a complex and competitive environment. For the next generation poised to take over family dairy farms, financial literacy is not just an asset; it is a necessity. The challenges facing today’s dairy farmers are vastly different from those of previous generations. Rising costs, environmental regulations and technological advancements have created a complex and competitive environment. For the next generation poised to take over family dairy farms, financial literacy is not just an asset; it is a necessity.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60803 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60803-the-importance-of-financial-literacy-for-the-next-generation-of-dairy-farmers 60803.leach.coreylewis.jpg tim.schaefer@encore-consultants.net Running a multigenerational family business is no small feat. Passing on a successful operation where multiple generations are motivated to work, take risks and raise their families is yet another feat. But each is possible, even highly likely, by following this blueprint for motivating the next generation. Running a multigenerational family business is no small feat. Passing on a successful operation where multiple generations are motivated to work, take risks and raise their families is yet another feat. But each is possible, even highly likely, by following this blueprint for motivating the next generation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60467 Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60467-motivating-the-next-generation-to-step-up 60467-schaefer-edgar.jpg elaine@elainefroese.com One of the key fears of aging farm founders is the conflict they anticipate when the farming heir has access to millions of dollars of land and the siblings who are off to other careers do not have the same net worth opportunity in their future. Or do they? One of the key fears of aging farm founders is the conflict they anticipate when the farming heir has access to millions of dollars of land and the siblings who are off to other careers do not have the same net worth opportunity in their future. Or do they?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60451 Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60451-questions-to-ask-to-uncover-inheritance-expectations Dairy_overview_-_Getty.jpeg This is a very large modern Wisconsin dairy operation which houses thousands of cows. In the foreground is a fall corn field with a line of trees. The farm is surrounded with late season hay, middle right are two manure pits. The buildings include four barns connected to a green roof milking parlor. The background includes additional, buildings, fields and trees which meet a hazy horizon. A number of tractors, vehicles and implements are throughout the image. Shot from the open window of a small airplane....http://www.banksphotos.com/LightboxBanners/AgFarming.jpg...http://www.banksphotos.com/LightboxBanners/Aerial.jpg andrew@farmlifefinancial.ca Working together, the family was able to have discussions about how the farm could utilize its cash flow to find a combination of saving, borrowing, insuring and gifting assets to nonfarming children at the optimal times to have maximum impact on their lives while also having a minimal impact on farm operations. Working together, the family was able to have discussions about how the farm could utilize its cash flow to find a combination of saving, borrowing, insuring and gifting assets to nonfarming children at the optimal times to have maximum impact on their lives while also having a minimal impact on farm operations.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60408 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60408-succession-planning-on-family-owned-dairy-farms-the-importance-of-the-off-farm-perspective Dairy_overview_-_Getty.jpeg This is a very large modern Wisconsin dairy operation which houses thousands of cows. In the foreground is a fall corn field with a line of trees. The farm is surrounded with late season hay, middle right are two manure pits. The buildings include four barns connected to a green roof milking parlor. The background includes additional, buildings, fields and trees which meet a hazy horizon. A number of tractors, vehicles and implements are throughout the image. Shot from the open window of a small airplane....http://www.banksphotos.com/LightboxBanners/AgFarming.jpg...http://www.banksphotos.com/LightboxBanners/Aerial.jpg katie.wantoch@wisc.edu When it comes to farm versus household accounts, separate checking, savings and other accounts can safeguard business funds from personal ones, allow farms to monitor farm spending more easily and assist with recordkeeping of the farm’s finances. When it comes to farm versus household accounts, separate checking, savings and other accounts can safeguard business funds from personal ones, allow farms to monitor farm spending more easily and assist with recordkeeping of the farm’s finances.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60177 Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60177-tips-for-creating-a-monthly-and-annual-spending-plan Finance_-_Getty.jpeg Man using calculator Accounting Calculating Cost Economic bills with money stack step growing growth saving money in home , finance concept dartt@thefbcg.com Family business succession that builds family relationships and continues to perpetuate a successful business requires attention, time investment, deliberate planning and communication. Family business succession that builds family relationships and continues to perpetuate a successful business requires attention, time investment, deliberate planning and communication.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60046 Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60046-grabbing-hold-embracing-the-uncomfortable-work-of-transitioning-the-management-and-leadership-of-your-family-business cornell-KatieBeckerNEDPA-0945.jpg elaine@elainefroese.com If the story you tell yourself suggests it’s nobody’s business how you spend your money, ask yourself how you got there and why it has to be like that. I hope you would agree with me that the emotional factors around money affect the farm transition process. If the story you tell yourself suggests it’s nobody’s business how you spend your money, ask yourself how you got there and why it has to be like that. I hope you would agree with me that the emotional factors around money affect the farm transition process.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59724 Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59724-improve-financial-transparency-with-your-farm-family-team Finance_-_Getty.jpeg Man using calculator Accounting Calculating Cost Economic bills with money stack step growing growth saving money in home , finance concept tim.schaefer@encore-consultants.net Over time, the strength and size of unified family assets create a competitive advantage over the farms that fragment their assets with each generation. I don’t believe many people set out to erode family assets, but it often happens by falling into some of these transition planning traps. Over time, the strength and size of unified family assets create a competitive advantage over the farms that fragment their assets with each generation. I don’t believe many people set out to erode family assets, but it often happens by falling into some of these transition planning traps.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59446 Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59446-transition-planning-traps Dairy_overview_-_Getty.jpeg This is a very large modern Wisconsin dairy operation which houses thousands of cows. In the foreground is a fall corn field with a line of trees. The farm is surrounded with late season hay, middle right are two manure pits. The buildings include four barns connected to a green roof milking parlor. The background includes additional, buildings, fields and trees which meet a hazy horizon. A number of tractors, vehicles and implements are throughout the image. Shot from the open window of a small airplane....http://www.banksphotos.com/LightboxBanners/AgFarming.jpg...http://www.banksphotos.com/LightboxBanners/Aerial.jpg Transition planning is never easy or simple, but some cases are much harder than others. If you are at an impasse, it may be time to evaluate the consequences of continuing with a transition plan so you can make the hard decision sooner rather than later. Transition planning is never easy or simple, but some cases are much harder than others. If you are at an impasse, it may be time to evaluate the consequences of continuing with a transition plan so you can make the hard decision sooner rather than later.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59357 Thu, 02 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59357-is-it-time-to-walk-away-the-transition-plan-breaking-point Alfalfa_cutting_-_Jaynes.jpeg elaine@elainefroese.com Cash flow crunches on farms are getting tougher this season as interest rates rise, land is expensive, and expectations for growth need sound management. Consider these actions as you make your approach to the transition conversation this year. Cash flow crunches on farms are getting tougher this season as interest rates rise, land is expensive, and expectations for growth need sound management. Consider these actions as you make your approach to the transition conversation this year.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59136 Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59136-how-to-get-those-tough-and-tender-conversations-started-part-two edward.rusnak@lfg.com Wherever you are today in your process, there is work to be done to help you prepare for the fruits of your labor, both the hard assets and the two-legged ones, to thrive throughout the next generation. Wherever you are today in your process, there is work to be done to help you prepare for the fruits of your labor, both the hard assets and the two-legged ones, to thrive throughout the next generation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58997 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58997-its-only-your-future-and-legacy-at-stake audrey@agproud.com Hard work, determination and perseverance aid four generations of dairy producers on Boertje Farms in Visalia, California. Hard work, determination and perseverance aid four generations of dairy producers on Boertje Farms in Visalia, California.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58940 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58940-boertje-farms-journey-from-dutch-roots-to-overcoming-cancer-on-the-dairy 58940-schmitz-2.jpg zdrucker@frazerllp.com Some of the concerns heirs have in taking over the family farm include the financial viability of farming, the challenges of modern agriculture and lifestyle implications. Some of the concerns heirs have in taking over the family farm include the financial viability of farming, the challenges of modern agriculture and lifestyle implications.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58856 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58856-succession-planning-incentivizing-the-next-generation-of-family-farmers Dairy_overview_-_Getty.jpeg This is a very large modern Wisconsin dairy operation which houses thousands of cows. In the foreground is a fall corn field with a line of trees. The farm is surrounded with late season hay, middle right are two manure pits. The buildings include four barns connected to a green roof milking parlor. The background includes additional, buildings, fields and trees which meet a hazy horizon. A number of tractors, vehicles and implements are throughout the image. Shot from the open window of a small airplane....http://www.banksphotos.com/LightboxBanners/AgFarming.jpg...http://www.banksphotos.com/LightboxBanners/Aerial.jpg tim.schaefer@encore-consultants.net Successful transition planning begins with a first and formal transition conversation, and how the first conversation goes often sets the stage for the entire process. Get off on a good foot, and the entire process is smoother. Successful transition planning begins with a first and formal transition conversation, and how the first conversation goes often sets the stage for the entire process. Get off on a good foot, and the entire process is smoother.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58746 Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58746-how-to-start-awkward-conversations mark.sherin@osaicfa.com It has been said that everyone should have two exit plans. One for where they control each of the circumstances, including their health, timing, business cycles, needs of the next generation, etc. and another plan for when the circumstances are the boss. It has been said that everyone should have two exit plans. One for where they control each of the circumstances, including their health, timing, business cycles, needs of the next generation, etc. and another plan for when the circumstances are the boss.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58662 Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58662-sometimes-it-takes-a-leap-of-faith caygeon@stubborn.farm Twenty-five years ago, I would have told you that topics like self confidence and insecurities were a bunch of fluff. However, I’ve been through a lot and can tell you that it is the soft issues that become hard problems in farming. Twenty-five years ago, I would have told you that topics like self confidence and insecurities were a bunch of fluff. However, I’ve been through a lot and can tell you that it is the soft issues that become hard problems in farming.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58474 Fri, 13 Oct 2023 08:59:33 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58474-getting-your-partnership-with-the-next-generation-off-on-the-right-foot Dairy_overview_-_Getty.jpeg This is a very large modern Wisconsin dairy operation which houses thousands of cows. In the foreground is a fall corn field with a line of trees. The farm is surrounded with late season hay, middle right are two manure pits. The buildings include four barns connected to a green roof milking parlor. The background includes additional, buildings, fields and trees which meet a hazy horizon. A number of tractors, vehicles and implements are throughout the image. Shot from the open window of a small airplane....http://www.banksphotos.com/LightboxBanners/AgFarming.jpg...http://www.banksphotos.com/LightboxBanners/Aerial.jpg jenn@agproud.com Transition talks can be dreadful and pit parties against each other in an effort to find a long-term plan for the farm, but with the right approach, these talks can have an entirely different successful outcome. Transition talks can be dreadful and pit parties against each other in an effort to find a long-term plan for the farm, but with the right approach, these talks can have an entirely different successful outcome.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57858 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:10:07 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57858-create-an-effective-conversation-on-farm-transition 57858-jcoyne-img2.jpg