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 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 elaine@elainefroese.com I recently coached a wealthy farmer to have an individual conversation with each of his nonfarm heirs. He had never thought that this was something he could do. Were his children wanting land, money or something else? If it terrifies you to even think of asking the next generation, consider why. I recently coached a wealthy farmer to have an individual conversation with each of his nonfarm heirs. He had never thought that this was something he could do. Were his children wanting land, money or something else? If it terrifies you to even think of asking the next generation, consider why.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61606 Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61606-gifts-with-a-warm-hand-not-a-cold-one-communicate-now-to-avoid-surprises-later elaine@elainefroese.com 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. 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.  

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61448 Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61448-farm-communication-improves-when-we-start-with-connection 61448-frose-illustration.jpg elaine@elainefroese.com Any time is a good time to work on the state of your union – marriage, spousal relationships or couple care. John Gottman, Ph.D, a highly respected American psychologist, authored The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work. I’ve added a farm perspective to his tips. Any time is a good time to work on the state of your union – marriage, spousal relationships or couple care. John Gottman, Ph.D, a highly respected American psychologist, authored The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work. I’ve added a farm perspective to his tips.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61328 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61328-making-marriage-work-on-your-farm 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 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 If you are gearing up for spring planting or tending to livestock, you know there are many daily tasks to complete, and your mind may be saying “The work on this farm is never done.” Many young farmers are keen to work hard to prove they are ready to become farm managers, but what tools are helpful for founders and successors to delegate the tasks ahead? If you are gearing up for spring planting or tending to livestock, you know there are many daily tasks to complete, and your mind may be saying “The work on this farm is never done.” Many young farmers are keen to work hard to prove they are ready to become farm managers, but what tools are helpful for founders and successors to delegate the tasks ahead?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60847 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:52:20 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60847-who-is-responsible-for-what-on-your-farm 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 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 cheryl@peoplemanagementgroup.com This article will look at noise levels on the farm, proper precautions and some best practices related to hearing protection. We will also examine employer responsibilities related to employees and noise on the farm. This article will look at noise levels on the farm, proper precautions and some best practices related to hearing protection. We will also examine employer responsibilities related to employees and noise on the farm.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60566 Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60566-noise-on-the-farm 60566-decooman-1.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 matti@agproud.com Grounded in faith and family while investing in the future, Aletta Holsteins followed an articulate succession plan. The family now operates two dairies and has expanded to poultry and hogs as well. Grounded in faith and family while investing in the future, Aletta Holsteins followed an articulate succession plan. The family now operates two dairies and has expanded to poultry and hogs as well.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60240 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60240-aletta-holsteins-faith-family-and-the-future 60240-mcbride-1.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 elaine@elainefroese.com If you or someone in your farm family is getting married soon or considering marriage in the future, having the prenuptial conversation can be helpful in providing peace of mind and legal protection if the marriage does not go as planned later down the road. If you or someone in your farm family is getting married soon or considering marriage in the future, having the prenuptial conversation can be helpful in providing peace of mind and legal protection if the marriage does not go as planned later down the road.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60108 Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60108-how-to-have-the-conversation-about-prenups Finance_-_Getty.jpeg Man using calculator Accounting Calculating Cost Economic bills with money stack step growing growth saving money in home , finance concept elaine@elainefroese.com Do you have a clear picture of who you are and how you lead on your farm and in your family? Do you have a clear picture of who you are and how you lead on your farm and in your family?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59897 Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59897-you-can-be-an-emotionally-strong-farm-parent 59897-froese-gettyimages-467020823.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 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 The Signers manage a milking herd of about 60 cows, maxing out the space available to them in the farm’s previous tiestall facility. Thus, they set out to create a new facility that would not only incorporate newer technology into their routine, like a robotic milking system, but more importantly, would provide a greater level of comfort to the cows. The Signers manage a milking herd of about 60 cows, maxing out the space available to them in the farm’s previous tiestall facility. Thus, they set out to create a new facility that would not only incorporate newer technology into their routine, like a robotic milking system, but more importantly, would provide a greater level of comfort to the cows.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59753 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59753-embracing-tradition-and-innovation-at-sigview-farms 59753-ohirko-1.jpg 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 cheryl@peoplemanagementgroup.com With children home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and now with summer approaching, there have been many opportunities to show your children more about working on the farm. With children home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and now with summer approaching, there have been many opportunities to show your children more about working on the farm.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59690 Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59690-best-practices-children-working-on-the-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 Decide today that you are going to become more self-aware and self-controlled around the way you communicate to your farm team. I strongly believe good communication is the foundation of successful farms. Talking and listening well is the ultimate risk management tool. Decide today that you are going to become more self-aware and self-controlled around the way you communicate to your farm team. I strongly believe good communication is the foundation of successful farms. Talking and listening well is the ultimate risk management tool.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59506 Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59506-it-feels-so-good-to-talk Young_corn_-_Jaynes.jpeg 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 In the heart of Vancouver Island's Alberni Valley, Russell and Jennifer Dyson care for their water buffalo herd at Coleman Meadows Farm. From the bustling milking parlour to the warm welcome of visitors, their passion for farming and advocacy is palpable. The couple share an unwavering dedication to Canadian agriculture, bolstered by their bonds with the unusual creatures helping them fulfill their dairy dreams. In the heart of Vancouver Island's Alberni Valley, Russell and Jennifer Dyson care for their water buffalo herd at Coleman Meadows Farm. From the bustling milking parlour to the warm welcome of visitors, their passion for farming and advocacy is palpable. The couple share an unwavering dedication to Canadian agriculture, bolstered by their bonds with the unusual creatures helping them fulfill their dairy dreams.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59319 Thu, 11 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59319-water-buffalo-herd-brings-dairy-dreams-to-life-at-coleman-meadows-farm 59319-ohirko-mamas-and-babes.jpg elaine@elainefroese.com Your body is not a machine. You are not serving yourself or others well by being a workaholic. When are you going to pay attention to your physical, emotional and mental needs, and those of your spouse and family? Your body is not a machine. You are not serving yourself or others well by being a workaholic. When are you going to pay attention to your physical, emotional and mental needs, and those of your spouse and family?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59329 Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59329-how-can-we-get-more-family-time-on-our-farm ca-fr-social-18.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 elaine@elainefroese.com Imagine this is the day you hop out of bed with a spring in your step, anticipating the life-changing transaction taking place this afternoon. Imagine this is the day you hop out of bed with a spring in your step, anticipating the life-changing transaction taking place this afternoon.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58952 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58952-how-to-embrace-a-positive-perspective-for-farm-transition ca-fr-social-46.jpg