There’s no denying that farming is a string of tough decisions, from managing finances, inputs, and equipment, to deciding rotations, and managing pests and disease. However, something that perhaps takes the cake for difficult decisions and conversations is farm succession as a whole. Not only are there big business decisions to be made when developing… Read More

Family farms that hold regular business meetings are 21 per cent more profitable than those who don’t. That may be, but the mere mention of “meeting” likely makes you roll your eyes or maybe grumble in disapproval. Family meetings might bring up some not-so-pleasant memories, but Elaine Froese, farm family coach, says it doesn’t have… Read More

As many are well aware, what makes a farm “tick” isn’t just the financial side of things, and a successful growing year and the operational day-to-day aren’t always the most difficult part of being a farmer. There are many things that make up the family farm unit and allow for a positive succession experience. Our… Read More

Elaine Froese has been named the recipient of 4-H Canada’s first-ever distinguished alumni award. The award recognizes outstanding accomplishments and leadership of 4-H alumni across Canada, in the areas of community engagement and communications, science and technology, environment, and healthy living, or sustainable agriculture and food security. Froese is being recognized for her accomplishments in community… Read More

It’s nice to receive recognition from your peers. It is particularly nice when your peers are also your friends and the recognition occurs in a place of special emotional significance. All these things came together for Elaine Froese during last week’s Agriculture Excellence Conference held at Winnipeg, Man.  It was in the ballroom of the… Read More

The process of transitioning a farm business from one generation to the next is often filled with obstacles and patches where progress seemingly bogs down in the mud. Generally, the stickiest areas are the ones that come with the potential for conflict, explains farm family business coach Elaine Froese, in the interview below. “The two biggest things… Read More

Periods of conflict between family members will make or break a family farm. That’s why it’s important to address conflict like any other risk to a farm business, says a well-known farm family coach from Boissevain, Manitoba. Elaine Froese described the three C’s for managing conflict as part of her presentation at the Ag Excellence… Read More

If you really examine the issues that family farms face you might conclude that they are set up to fail. I am not talking about challenges like low commodity prices or high input costs. What I mean by this is that families that farm together really face tough battles that are different than regular corporate… Read More

 

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