https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us 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 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 In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney chats with Elaine Froese about how farm families can build a strong foundation for farm transition. Froese has more than 30 years of experience helping farm families through this process and has written articles in almost every issue of Progressive Dairy – Canada for the past 14 years. In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney chats with Elaine Froese about how farm families can build a strong foundation for farm transition. Froese has more than 30 years of experience helping farm families through this process and has written articles in almost every issue of Progressive Dairy – Canada for the past 14 years. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61854 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61854-podcast-building-a-strong-foundation-for-farm-transition-with-elaine-froese 071525-PD-Podcast-preview-image.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 We all know that communication is important, especially for healthy relationships, scaling up and a successful transition plan. With that said, why can it be so tough to communicate consistently? This article explores five reasons we avoid difficult conversations and how to improve overall communication. We all know that communication is important, especially for healthy relationships, scaling up and a successful transition plan. With that said, why can it be so tough to communicate consistently? This article explores five reasons we avoid difficult conversations and how to improve overall communication. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61602 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61602-5-reasons-we-avoid-hard-conversations-and-how-to-make-them-easier kimmi@agproud.com By the time you are reading this, my family will be less than two weeks away from celebrating my great-aunt’s 100th birthday. At the end of our lives, each of us will leave a legacy for others to remember us by. What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want to be remembered for? By the time you are reading this, my family will be less than two weeks away from celebrating my great-aunt’s 100th birthday. At the end of our lives, each of us will leave a legacy for others to remember us by. What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want to be remembered for?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/1/post/61599 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/1-progressive-dairy-from-the-editor/post/61599-100-years-and-counting 61599-devaney-2954.jpg ryandennis@themilkhouse.org Despite the numerous sources of anxiety that can affect those in agriculture, farmers tend to be reluctant to ask for help. While there is still sometimes an unfortunate stigma around addressing mental health issues, farmers are also conditioned to be independent. Despite the numerous sources of anxiety that can affect those in agriculture, farmers tend to be reluctant to ask for help. While there is still sometimes an unfortunate stigma around addressing mental health issues, farmers are also conditioned to be independent.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/61454 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/61454-the-milk-house-what-a-farmer-feels milk-house.png mpayn@causematters.com Jackie Sanford, Heather Lifsey and Becky Heim found that balancing these roles with their responsibilities on the farm and careers required creativity, resilience and a willingness to lean on others. Their journeys reveal not only the struggles of caregiving but also the profound strength it takes to navigate this path. Jackie Sanford, Heather Lifsey and Becky Heim found that balancing these roles with their responsibilities on the farm and careers required creativity, resilience and a willingness to lean on others. Their journeys reveal not only the struggles of caregiving but also the profound strength it takes to navigate this path.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61559 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61559-lessons-in-caregiving-and-managing-stress-from-farm-women 61559-payn-1.jpg 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 elaine@elainefroese.com The Appreciative Inquiry process has challenged our approach to problem-solving. How could focusing on the positive elements of our family business resolve conflicts? It sounds contradictory, doesn't it? The Appreciative Inquiry process has challenged our approach to problem-solving. How could focusing on the positive elements of our family business resolve conflicts? It sounds contradictory, doesn't it?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61146 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61146-appreciative-inquiry-focus-on-your-family-strengths-to-move-forward elaine@elainefroese.com Working with farm family dynamics is a bit of an adventure when you are seeking to uncover what each person on the farm team really wants for their personal life, the farm business and their life beyond the farm gate. Let’s play with some points of common interest which would be helpful to better behaviour and culture on your farm. Working with farm family dynamics is a bit of an adventure when you are seeking to uncover what each person on the farm team really wants for their personal life, the farm business and their life beyond the farm gate. Let’s play with some points of common interest which would be helpful to better behaviour and culture on your farm.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60686 Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60686-using-common-ground-to-write-agreements-you-can-understand Business_tech_2_-_Getty.jpeg Shot of a farmer using a digital tablet on his farm robin.smith@agri-servicesagency.com Now is the time to identify your current health insurance plan and decide to either stick with the status quo or change benefit plans. If you’re fortunate to be happy with what you have, then a simple reenrollment works. If your operation has changed over the year – budget and payroll – you might need to reevaluate your offerings. Now is the time to identify your current health insurance plan and decide to either stick with the status quo or change benefit plans. If you’re fortunate to be happy with what you have, then a simple reenrollment works. If your operation has changed over the year – budget and payroll – you might need to reevaluate your offerings.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60635 Mon, 18 Nov 2024 10:19:53 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60635-6-steps-to-find-the-right-health-insurance-plan 60635-smith-illus.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 elaine@elainefroese.com It is time to stop guessing what everyone thinks, feels, wants and needs. Explore what stories your grandparents, parents and siblings are telling themselves about the future and transition of wealth on your farm. Ask Grandpa or Mom, “I’m just curious, what is the story you are telling yourself? Is this a scarcity mindset issue? How much is enough? Would you ask for the help of a financial planner to give you more financial security and certainty for your income streams as you age in place on this farm?” It is time to stop guessing what everyone thinks, feels, wants and needs. Explore what stories your grandparents, parents and siblings are telling themselves about the future and transition of wealth on your farm. Ask Grandpa or Mom, “I’m just curious, what is the story you are telling yourself? Is this a scarcity mindset issue? How much is enough? Would you ask for the help of a financial planner to give you more financial security and certainty for your income streams as you age in place on this farm?”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60180 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60180-farm-parents-what-do-you-really-want-in-your-next-chapter-of-life 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 In a breakout session presentation at the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit, held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, last February, Sarah Moag discussed management transitions and employee management strategies that have worked for her business, Noblehurst Farms, in western New York. In a breakout session presentation at the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit, held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, last February, Sarah Moag discussed management transitions and employee management strategies that have worked for her business, Noblehurst Farms, in western New York.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59991 Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59991-noblehurst-farms-transitioning-from-a-doer-to-a-manager Business_tech_2_-_Getty.jpeg Shot of a farmer using a digital tablet on his farm amber.adamsprogar@gmail.com As silage season approaches, now is the time to start having conversations about silage safety with your children. It is also the right time to put practices into place that will make this silage season safe. Here are five tips to help you keep this silage season safe for your children. As silage season approaches, now is the time to start having conversations about silage safety with your children. It is also the right time to put practices into place that will make this silage season safe. Here are five tips to help you keep this silage season safe for your children. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59657 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59657-5-tips-to-keep-kids-safe-during-silage-season 59657-adams-progar-play.jpg joy.kirkpatrick@wisc.edu You never hear someone say they love farming because they love sitting in a meeting room talking about business. They will probably say they’d rather be doing anything else – with animals, crops, machinery, you name it – than sitting in meetings. You never hear someone say they love farming because they love sitting in a meeting room talking about business. They will probably say they’d rather be doing anything else – with animals, crops, machinery, you name it – than sitting in meetings.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59987 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59987-how-to-start-holding-consistent-productive-farm-meetings-with-a-purpose 59987-kirkpatrick-planning-getty.jpg 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 krek0033@umn.edu About one-third of all farm incidents involve children, and every three days a child in the U.S. dies in a farm-related incident. Prevent your child from becoming a statistic by being proactive about practicing safety on the farm. About one-third of all farm incidents involve children, and every three days a child in the U.S. dies in a farm-related incident. Prevent your child from becoming a statistic by being proactive about practicing safety on the farm.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59654 Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59654-keeping-kids-safe-on-the-farm 59654-krekelberg-safety.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 caygeon@stubborn.farm Feeling good about yourself can help the family farm succeed by making you better at making decisions, dealing with problems, negotiating and leading. Feeling good about yourself can help the family farm succeed by making you better at making decisions, dealing with problems, negotiating and leading.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59521 Fri, 14 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59521-setting-the-next-generation-up-for-success 59521-junkin-six-pillars.jpg Listed on Forbes 30 Under 30, dairy farmer, dog mom and businesswoman Hayley Painter joins host Matti McBride to tell the story of Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt. Learn about Painter’s youth on an organic dairy farm in rural Pennsylvania, where the idea to diversify the family business came from and how Hayley continues working alongside her family. Listed on Forbes 30 Under 30, dairy farmer, dog mom and businesswoman Hayley Painter joins host Matti McBride to tell the story of Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt. Learn about Painter’s youth on an organic dairy farm in rural Pennsylvania, where the idea to diversify the family business came from and how Hayley continues working alongside her family.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59830 Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59830-podcast-bringing-the-world-to-the-farm-with-hayley-painter 060424-PD-Podcast-preview-image.png 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 The operation has grown to 400 Holstein cows milked with six robotic milking systems, as well as a new retail store where they also sell local products from their community. The farm has a beef community-supported agriculture (CSA) program and also provides hay wagon tours and farm tours throughout the spring and summer and four weeks of Kids Farm Camp. The operation has grown to 400 Holstein cows milked with six robotic milking systems, as well as a new retail store where they also sell local products from their community. The farm has a beef community-supported agriculture (CSA) program and also provides hay wagon tours and farm tours throughout the spring and summer and four weeks of Kids Farm Camp.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59355 Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59355-fairholm-farm-leans-on-community-to-continue-family-legacy 59355-schilter-1.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 kimmi@agproud.com Heim’s Hillcrest Dairy in Wisconsin has created a welcoming team culture with low employee turnover. Since the farm started in 1963, it has grown from less than 100 cows to more than 800. Today, members of the second, third and fourth generations work on the dairy. Heim’s Hillcrest Dairy in Wisconsin has created a welcoming team culture with low employee turnover. Since the farm started in 1963, it has grown from less than 100 cows to more than 800. Today, members of the second, third and fourth generations work on the dairy.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58874 Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58874-family-oriented-culture-results-in-minimal-employee-turnover-at-heims-hillcrest-dairy 58874-decaney-Merck-event-Heim-family-(KD).jpg 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 kw566@cornell.edu Jon and Julie Patterson are the sixth generation to own and operate Patterson Farms Inc. Their dairy farm is in the heart of the Finger Lakes in Cayuga County, New York where they milk 1,800 cows and crop over 3,000 acres. Jon and Julie Patterson are the sixth generation to own and operate Patterson Farms Inc. Their dairy farm is in the heart of the Finger Lakes in Cayuga County, New York where they milk 1,800 cows and crop over 3,000 acres.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59376 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59376-patterson-farms-managing-manure-for-efficiency-and-productivity 0524pd-cornell-patterson-farms-1.jpg