https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us The 2026 Canadian Dairy Business Summit included two dairy producers who have successfully navigated the farm succession process. Paul MacLeod of Darcroft Farms near Embro, Ontario, and Clarence Markus of Markvale Holsteins near Beachville, Ontario, detailed their respective roads to completing their plans. The 2026 Canadian Dairy Business Summit included two dairy producers who have successfully navigated the farm succession process. Paul MacLeod of Darcroft Farms near Embro, Ontario, and Clarence Markus of Markvale Holsteins near Beachville, Ontario, detailed their respective roads to completing their plans.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63305 Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63305-prioritizing-family-and-business-two-dairy-producer-perspectives-on-farm-succession 63305-pearce-panel.jpg andrew@farmlifefinancial.ca Avoiding succession planning doesn’t prevent conflict – it creates it. Planning early and communicating openly may feel difficult, but it is also the only way to remain in control of what happens next. Avoiding succession planning doesn’t prevent conflict – it creates it. Planning early and communicating openly may feel difficult, but it is also the only way to remain in control of what happens next.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63190 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63190-the-hard-truths-about-farm-succession-planning-why-tough-conversations-are-worth-it elaine@elainefroese.com I started writing columns 30 years ago, and I landed here in Progressive Dairy more than eight years ago. This will be my last column (for now). Letting go of this communication channel is a transition for me as I now have successors. I am activating what Shine’s author, Gino Wickman, calls the 10-year plan. I started writing columns 30 years ago, and I landed here in Progressive Dairy more than eight years ago. This will be my last column (for now). Letting go of this communication channel is a transition for me as I now have successors. I am activating what Shine’s author, Gino Wickman, calls the 10-year plan. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62094 Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62094-transition-plans-for-you-and-me andrew@farmlifefinancial.ca Retirement looks different for each of us. For some, it means ceasing to work completely. For others, it’s a shift in responsibility from owner to operator. And for some, it’s as simple as not being “on call” for those unforeseen events, like a 2 a.m. breech calving or a frozen milkline. Retirement looks different for each of us. For some, it means ceasing to work completely. For others, it’s a shift in responsibility from owner to operator. And for some, it’s as simple as not being “on call” for those unforeseen events, like a 2 a.m. breech calving or a frozen milkline.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61760 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61760-retirement-planning-for-canadian-dairy-farmers-its-not-about-what-you-make-its-about-what-you-keep 61760-leach-hat-.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 andrew@farmlifefinancial.ca The farming industry is an ever-changing landscape. With each year that passes, new complexities and challenges arise that place pressures on Canadian farmers to continuously adapt their business practices to remain competitive. The farming industry is an ever-changing landscape. With each year that passes, new complexities and challenges arise that place pressures on Canadian farmers to continuously adapt their business practices to remain competitive.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61277 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61277-the-importance-of-keeping-a-clean-divide-between-personal-and-farm-business-expenses 61277-leach-budget.jpg elaine@elainefroese.com The average age of landowners is the oldest in history, land values are at an all-time high, and the cash flow needed to acquire land is outside of long-term profitability. I see an opportunity here for young farmers to be developing relationships with non-related parties. Somewhere, the perfect storm is begging a new money script from parents as to what is a reasonable expectation for the transfer of farm wealth if the family really wants to keep the farm business intact. The average age of landowners is the oldest in history, land values are at an all-time high, and the cash flow needed to acquire land is outside of long-term profitability. I see an opportunity here for young farmers to be developing relationships with non-related parties. Somewhere, the perfect storm is begging a new money script from parents as to what is a reasonable expectation for the transfer of farm wealth if the family really wants to keep the farm business intact.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60565 Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60565-10-tips-for-navigating-farm-transition 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 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 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 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 elaine@elainefroese.com According to the brochure “What every older Canadian should know about: Powers of attorney and joint bank accounts,” power of attorney is a written, legal document authorizing one or more persons to manage your money and property on your behalf when you are unable to do so. According to the brochure “What every older Canadian should know about: Powers of attorney and joint bank accounts,” power of attorney is a written, legal document authorizing one or more persons to manage your money and property on your behalf when you are unable to do so. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58444 Thu, 26 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58444-why-power-of-attorney-is-important elaine@elainefroese.com Your personal wealth bubble is having some flexibility in your wealth creation beyond the wealth you are creating in farm assets. Your personal wealth bubble is having some flexibility in your wealth creation beyond the wealth you are creating in farm assets.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57880 Thu, 20 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57880-why-you-need-to-build-your-personal-wealth-bubble elaine@elainefroese.com Find a lawyer you like. Ask other farmers which professionals have served them well. You can also go to the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors directory to find great advisers who care about agricultural families. Find a lawyer you like. Ask other farmers which professionals have served them well. You can also go to the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors directory to find great advisers who care about agricultural families.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57102 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57102-easy-ways-to-get-your-wills-done ebarge@centerfordairyexcellence.org Succession planning is about owning your future and controlling your farm’s destiny. In a recent panel discussion at the “Own Your Future Forum” hosted by the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania (PDMP) and Center for Dairy Excellence, five panelists from all sectors of the industry had a candid conversation about taking control of the future. Succession planning is about owning your future and controlling your farm’s destiny. In a recent panel discussion at the “Own Your Future Forum” hosted by the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania (PDMP) and Center for Dairy Excellence, five panelists from all sectors of the industry had a candid conversation about taking control of the future.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57076 Fri, 03 Mar 2023 09:00:44 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57076-own-your-future-answers-to-some-of-the-toughest-succession-planning-questions 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 “Help, my siblings want farmland!” is one of my most viewed blogs. Our current reality of higher interest rates and rising land values needs to be addressed early on in your transition conversations. “Help, my siblings want farmland!” is one of my most viewed blogs. Our current reality of higher interest rates and rising land values needs to be addressed early on in your transition conversations.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/56912 Wed, 15 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56912-how-to-get-your-non-farm-siblings-onboard-with-your-farm-vision elaine@elainefroese.com “Every front door looks beautiful” is one of my favourite Irish sayings. It came to mind in Deadwood, South Dakota, where I was listening to the woes of a young ranch couple. “Every front door looks beautiful” is one of my favourite Irish sayings. It came to mind in Deadwood, South Dakota, where I was listening to the woes of a young ranch couple.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/55997 Thu, 08 Sep 2022 10:38:22 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/55997-help-my-parents-have-loads-of-debt-we-dont-want 55997-FROESE.jpg caygeon@stubborn.farm Growing up, the only way she could get time with dad was by being in the barn. The only way she could gain his attention was by working hard on the farm and “being of use.” Growing up, the only way she could get time with dad was by being in the barn. The only way she could gain his attention was by working hard on the farm and “being of use.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/55682 Sat, 20 Aug 2022 19:52:14 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/55682-choosing-not-to-farm 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 When I asked the group of cowboys in their black Stetsons what was the one thing they grasped after four hours of interaction, it was “importance of communication.” It is easy to say, but how do you put it into practice? When I asked the group of cowboys in their black Stetsons what was the one thing they grasped after four hours of interaction, it was “importance of communication.” It is easy to say, but how do you put it into practice?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/54137 Fri, 29 Jul 2022 14:18:47 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/54137-farm-transition-lessons-from-cowboys 54137-froese-illustration.jpg karen@agproud.com As Heather Watson introduced the theme of the 2021 Agricultural Excellence Conference – the Challenge of Change – she said there is an underutilized tool that can help farmers weather difficult times. http://www.agproud.com/articles/55497 Fri, 31 Dec 2021 14:00:01 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/55497-5-ways-business-plans-provide-certainty-in-times-of-change