From the Archive: Episode 4: The Power of Courage in Farm Management Discussions with Elaine Froese

Farming on Purpose

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“Legacy to me is the culture that you leave for your family so that the next generation has great stories to tell and is grateful for the opportunities they’ve been given. That’s what legacy means to me.”

As a farmer or rancher, you know that your work is more than just a job - it's a way of life that's deeply connected to family, legacy, and the land. But sometimes, the very things that make farming special can also create challenges, especially when it comes to family communication and farm transitions.

That's where Elaine Froese, known as Canada's Farm Whisperer, comes in. With over 30 years of experience coaching farm families, Elaine has a wealth of wisdom to share about building strong relationships and successful farm transitions.

Here are some key takeaways from Elaine's conversation on the Farming on Purpose Podcast:

Conflict isn't bad - it's an opportunity Elaine believes that conflict itself isn't the problem - it's unresolved conflict that causes issues. She encourages farm families to see conflict as a chance to gain clarity and improve communication. By addressing issues head-on in a respectful way, you can strengthen your relationships and your farm business.
Start succession planning early. The best time to start talking about farm transitions is when your kids are young. Make it part of your family culture to discuss the future of the farm openly. This helps set expectations and gives the next generation a chance to develop the skills they'll need.
Fairness doesn't mean equal when it comes to passing on the farm, Elaine defines fairness as "helping everyone in the family be successful." This might mean treating farming and non-farming kids differently. The key is open communication about expectations.
Put it in writing Elaine suggests writing a letter to express appreciation for the older generation and outline your vision for the farm's future. This can be a powerful way to start important conversations with respect and love.
Create certainty for the next generation Look for ways to give the younger generation a stake in the farm before the older generation is ready to fully retire. This might mean putting their name on some land titles or transitioning ownership of equipment.
Focus on people, not just assets. While the financial and legal aspects of farm transitions are important, Elaine emphasizes that it's really about the people. How well do you communicate? How do you handle conflict? Building a positive family culture is crucial.
Legacy is more than land For Elaine, true legacy is about the culture and values you pass on, not just physical assets. It's about leaving your family with great stories and gratitude for the opportunities they've been given.

Practical Tips to Try:

Have a family meeting to discuss your farm's vision and values

Write a letter of appreciation to the older generation

Create a "life binder" with tabs for business plans, legal documents, and financial information

Play the "what if" game to plan for different scenarios

Consider working with a farm coach or mediator to improve communication

Remember, building a strong farm family takes work, but it's worth the effort. By focusing on open communication, mutual respect, and shared values, you can create a lasting legacy that goes far beyond the land you work.