In this episode, I sit down with Amber Meyer, Certified Financial Planner with TruStone Wealth Management, for an eye-opening conversation about how financial realities and family expectations shape the success (or the struggle) of farm transitions.

Amber brings years of firsthand experience helping multigenerational farm families align money, mindset, and legacy. Together, we explore the biggest hurdles keeping families from "getting to the table," from unspoken assumptions and generational gaps to the tough math of cash flow, living expenses, and retirement readiness.

Amber explains why clear communication, realistic asset valuations, and early planning are essential to keeping both the business and the family intact. We also talk about creative ways to make transitions viable—from custom work and diversified income streams to using tools like trusts and lifetime transfers to balance fairness with financial sense.

If you've ever wondered how to start these conversations or how to keep them from derailing, this episode will help you see that peace and profitability can go hand in hand when families commit to transparency, teamwork, and communication.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com

Discover more about our guest: Amber Meyer, CFP APMA

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:01:55 - Amber's background growing up on a farm in North Dakota 0:04:34 - Discussion of generational gaps in farming 0:08:34 - Financial inventory and assessing farm viability 0:11:53 - Advice on saving and investing for young farmers 0:17:06 - Importance of wills and estate planning 0:21:37 - Setting realistic land and asset valuations 0:24:04 - Fee structure for financial advisors 0:28:58 - Who typically drives the farm transition process 0:33:56 - Key advice: Communicate, communicate, communicate

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David M. Kohl, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management, for a conversation about what it really takes for young farmers to build strong, lasting farm businesses.

We discuss why transition is not just a handoff but a transformative process that requires transparency, honest financial assessments, and the courage to face tough realities head-on.

Dr. Kohl explains why starting with a clear resource assessment matters, how cash flow planning shapes long-term success, and why written goals act as a compass when the road gets messy.

This episode offers young farmers, founders, and successors alike practical wisdom, fresh perspective, and encouragement to move from uncertainty to clarity — and to see transition not as a burden, but as an opportunity to strengthen both the farm and the family behind it.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Dr. David M. Kohl

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:04:40 - Discussion on farm succession 0:05:30 - Resource assessment for family business transition 0:06:55 - Importance of understanding true profitability through accrual adjustments 0:11:24 - Advice on debt servicing and working with lenders 0:14:59 - Land buying strategies for young farmers 0:18:29 - Importance of goal setting and using a facilitator 0:22:16 - Skill assessment and developing mini business plans 0:24:17 - Warren Buffett's advice on behavioral success 0:28:35 - Discussing family living arrangements and budgets 0:33:08 - The five key points for successful farm transition

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Lounsbury, Certified Lifestyle, Wellness, & Menopause Coach, to talk about a topic most people haven't even heard of: andropause.

We've all heard of menopause, but men experience a similar transition as testosterone levels decline with age. For farmers, this can show up in subtle but significant ways: lower energy, mood changes, or shifts in stamina that affect not just work in the field, but also relationships at home.

Lisa helps us understand how to recognize the difference between "just getting older" and the signs of andropause, why grumpiness often has a deeper root, and how ignoring these symptoms can quietly erode both health and harmony on the farm.

Together, we explore practical ways to manage these changes, from diet and resistance training to stress management and better sleep. Lisa also shares why making wellness a priority is not only about personal vitality, but about protecting relationships, improving communication, and thriving in the demanding seasons of farm life.

If you've ever wondered why someone you love seems more irritable, or you're noticing changes in your own energy and outlook, this conversation offers hope, tools, and a fresh perspective.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Lisa Lounsbury

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:01:35 - Lisa introduces herself and her background in wellness 0:03:46 - Discussion of andropause symptoms begins 0:07:11 - How to validate and test for andropause 0:12:38 - Ways to address andropause beyond testosterone replacement therapy 0:14:48 - Nutrition and diet recommendations 0:20:08 - Connection between andropause and mental health 0:24:42 - Lisa discusses her book "Making Wellness a Priority" 0:29:20 - How to find Lisa's online resources 0:31:43 - Closing remarks about hope and wellness

In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Brown, CPA, farm family coach, and fifth-generation farmer, for a frank conversation about one of the toughest topics in transition: compensation.

We explore why pay on the family farm is about more than numbers, and how unspoken expectations, sacrifices, and values shape the way money flows. Alyssa shares how to uncover the full picture of compensation, from salary to hidden benefits, and why defining family living needs is key to creating fairness.

Together, we discuss how couples can get on the same page before approaching the founders, why "suffering for the sake of suffering" creates resentment, and how role clarity and financial transparency help families avoid conflict and mistrust.

If you've ever wondered whether you're being fairly compensated or struggled to start that conversation, this episode offers practical tools, financial insights, and coaching wisdom to help your family move toward clarity and respect.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Alyssa Brown

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:01:45 - Discussion on compensation conflicts and information breakdown 0:03:48 - Comparing farm hand salaries and understanding total compensation 0:07:09 - Impact of spouse's financial approach on farm compensation 0:14:16 - Addressing the myth of "suffering for the sake of suffering" 0:18:13 - Importance of having uninterrupted, judgment-free family financial conversations 0:25:39 - Defining roles and skills as part of compensation discussion 0:29:33 - Tools and resources for compensation planning

In this episode, I sit down with Marsha Goetting, Extension Educator from Montana State University, for a compassionate and eye-opening conversation about a topic many farm families quietly struggle with: dementia.

We explore how cognitive decline affects farm operations, family roles, and long-term planning, and why facing it head-on with clarity and care is essential. From understanding legal readiness to building respectful caregiving plans, Marsha shares stories, strategies, and practical tools to help families support aging loved ones with dignity.

Together, we talk about the emotional weight of ambiguous loss, how to include children in the journey, and ways to bring more peace into difficult seasons of change. Whether you're already navigating dementia in your family or simply want to be prepared, this episode offers heartfelt guidance you won't want to miss.

If your farm team includes aging parents or partners, this is the episode to listen to together.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Marsha Goetting

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:01:33 - Introduction to dealing with dementia on farm/ranch topic and Marsha's background 0:04:03 - Personal experience with mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis and early warning signs 0:08:45 - Power of attorney importance and legal documentation needs 0:12:34 - Table of contents overview of the dementia resource guide 0:13:44 - Rural-specific challenges and stigma around dementia diagnosis 0:17:43 - Safety concerns on farms (cattle, equipment, guns, driving) 0:23:58 - Working with medical professionals and dementia-friendly communities 0:28:49 - Driving cessation challenges and family navigation 0:34:23 - Caregiver wellness and avoiding burnout 0:34:46 - Resources for children dealing with grandparents' dementia 0:41:09 - Key takeaways: continuing to love the person through the journey 0:42:40 - Final advice on not procrastinating with legal planning and destigmatizing dementia

In this episode, I sit down with Greg Barnsdale, Certified Financial Planner, Licensed Funeral Director, and author of Do Not Ignore Your Mortality, for a heartfelt conversation about one of life's toughest (but most important) topics: planning for death.

We talk about the emotional and financial consequences of avoiding end-of-life planning and why leaning into conversations about wills, funerals, and legacy now can bring clarity, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships later.

Greg shares personal stories, including his own shocking brain tumor diagnosis, and insights from decades in both funeral homes and financial offices. Together, we explore how to approach mortality with honesty, courage, and even a little humor, so that farm families can age with less fear and more intention.

If you've been putting off those tough conversations or struggling to get your family on board, this episode is a loving nudge to take the next step.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Greg Barnsdale

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:02:03 - Greg's background in the funeral industry0:03:11 - Greg's motivation for writing the book0:05:35 - Discussion on preventing family hallway huddles0:12:43 - Why people avoid creating wills0:22:54 - Superstitions about talking about death0:23:38 - Funeral budgeting and changing funeral traditions0:25:07 - Organ donation and healthcare directives0:27:48 - Strategies for planning when family is resistant0:31:59 - How to find Greg and his resources (website)

In this episode, I talk with Kalynn Spain: farm family coach, young mom, and self-described conflict nerd, about what it really means to be "the mom in the middle" of farm family dynamics.

We explore how mothers often carry the emotional weight of succession conversations, get stuck in the middle of unresolved conflict, and feel responsible for keeping the peace, even when it's burning them out.

Kalynn shares insights from her coaching work and lived experience raising young kids on the farm, and we offer strategies for flattening communication triangles, setting healthy boundaries, and lightening the load.

If you've ever felt like you're carrying too much for too many people, this episode offers language, encouragement, and tools to help you step out of the middle and move your family forward with care.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Kalynn Spain

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:02:04 - Introduction of "Mom in the Middle" concept 0:05:37 - Discussion on mom's role in family harmony 0:08:33 - Explanation of "flattening the triangle" in family dynamics 0:12:52 - Importance of written communication in family conflicts 0:15:10 - Power of family meetings and facilitation 0:18:53 - Challenges in pulling farm family members into conversations 0:24:43 - Self-care and mental wellness for moms 0:26:54 - Strategies for moms to take care of themselves 0:30:26 - Conflict as a skill to be learned

In this episode, I talk with David about the challenges blended farm families face during succession and estate transitions. We explore how honest communication, early planning, and choosing to overcome family dysfunction can shape a healthier legacy.

David shares personal stories and lessons learned navigating complex family dynamics, while I highlight practical tips and resources for farm families ready to have the tough conversations before crisis hits.

If you're involved in farm succession or blended family transitions, this episode offers valuable insights to help you move forward with clarity and compassion.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: David Marrison

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

0:00:34 - Introduction of David Marrison and podcast topic on blended families

0:03:00 - David's background growing up on a dairy farm

0:05:48 - Discussion of family losses (father's death, first wife's cancer diagnosis)

0:09:24 - David's career with the Ohio State University farm management

0:11:51 - Resources available at farm office.osu.edu

0:14:06 - Why farmers are hesitant to ask for help

0:16:29 - Appreciative inquiry approach to farm family conversations

0:20:30 - Importance of family legacy and storytelling

0:26:29 - Challenges of blended families and communication

0:41:58 - Discussing farm transition and family dynamics

0:50:46 - Strategies for training the next generation

0:57:54 - Biggest risk in farm transition (preparing next generation)

In this episode, I sit down with farm family coach and agrologist Lyle Wiens to explore the founder's critical role in shaping a healthy farm business culture. We unpack how clear communication strategies, strong leadership, and early planning can ease generational transition and prevent conflict.

Lyle shares actionable insights on aligning values, building a communication plan, and navigating tough conversations – all rooted in real farm experience. If you're planning your farm's future, this conversation is a must-listen. Lyle is a valued member of our coaching team, and young farmers will really appreciate his perspective!

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Lyle Wiens

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:02:05 - Lyle discusses his work in farm family transition and succession

0:02:41 - Background on the painting in his office and personal reflection

0:05:14 - Discussion on farm business culture and working with farm families

0:05:47 - Expectations of clients and the complexity of family systems

0:07:59 - Challenges in family businesses, particularly around behavior

0:10:17 - Personal growth and taking responsibility for one's actions

0:12:01 - Impact of self-reflection on empathy and emotional regulation

0:13:33 - The founder's role in creating a positive business culture

0:15:14 - Challenges of founders holding onto power and avoiding difficult conversations

0:22:52 - Importance of personality tests like Enneagram

0:27:09 - Personal story about working with family and receiving criticism

0:34:02 - Discussion on why people change and personal motivation

0:40:38 - Role of forgiveness in family business dynamics

0:49:12 - Final key advice: understanding who you are as a founder

In this episode, my guest is Cheryl Mitchell, founder of Farm Legacy and a longtime advocate for communication, leadership, and education in agriculture. Cheryl brings deep experience helping farm families navigate generational dynamics and make sound decisions during farm succession planning.

We discuss how young farmers and ranchers can design better decisions during the early stages of their careers, especially when navigating the emotional terrain of multigenerational farm transition planning. Cheryl and I explore how generational identities, from the Silent Generation to Gen Z, shape values, expectations, and communication styles on the farm.

You'll learn why listening well, asking thoughtful questions, and building trust across generations are critical to keeping the farm legacy alive. Cheryl also shares stories that highlight the often unspoken fears that can hold families back from making progress and how to approach tough conversations with more clarity and compassion.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Cheryl Mitchell

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:07:05 - Discussion of generational differences

00:09:04 - Identity challenges for older farmers and how younger generations view work differently

00:14:06 - Strategies for younger farmers to approach and communicate with older generations

00:19:43 - Importance of focusing on legacy and emotional connection

00:20:56 - Definition of legacy as an "invisible thread" connecting past, present, and future

00:27:00 - Changing decision-making approaches in agriculture

00:30:28 - Best places and methods for having meaningful conversations

00:33:13 - Communication techniques like one-word check-ins

00:35:22 - Importance of involving younger generations in professional meetings early on

00:38:29 - Addressing concerns of family members, especially women, in farm succession planning