Share Farm Family Harmony Podcast
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
By Elaine Froese
5
33 ratings
The podcast currently has 28 episodes available.
In this episode, Elaine connects with podcaster, agriculture entrepreneur, mom of two, and farm wife, Emily Reuschel. You’ll hear about Emily’s journey from fourth-grade teacher, to non-profit leader, and how she eventually ended up as a leader for rural women in the world of entrepreneurship, podcasting, and coaching.
Emily talks about her own personal development, the habits that have supported her success, both personally and professionally, and what it means to invest in yourself, transform your mindset, and start living life on purpose. You’ll discover that it IS possible to heal, grow, and experience joy in alignment with the things you truly want.
Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.
Discover more about our guest: Emily Reuschel
Elaine Froese Resources:
Watch this episode on YouTube
SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
MEMBERSHIP - become at Farm Family Harmony Member
RESOURCES - download for FREE
CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches
Timestamps
0:00:03 Introduction to Emily Reuschel
0:00:54 Emily’s backstory and current passion for women in agriculture
0:03:22 Emily’s many roles and her how her life on the farm has evolved over the years
0:05:38 Investing in personal growth and considering new possibilities
0:06:52 Counseling is about recovery and coaching is about discovery
0:07:33 Practices that have helped Emily and her husband stay emotionally strong
0:07:57 Chasing after the “arrival fallacy” and how it leads to burnout
0:10:30 A powerful exercise to shift away from burnout
0:13:27 Elaine’s battle with postpartum depression and the importance of mental wellness
0:14:13 The garden metaphor
0:16:15 How Emily helps women find the time to discover what they truly want in life
0:17:13 Emily’s favourite question to remove expectations
0:18:30 Everything is figureoutable
0:21:46 The importance of good friends, connection, and relationships
0:22:32 Healing yourself vs expecting someone to be your everything
0:23:52 Finding your people, despite age differences
0:25:02 Being the kind of friend you want to have and taking personal initiative
0:26:20 Elaine’s shout out to all the older women listening
0:27:37 Getting your partner on board with your growth trajectory
0:31:20 Men in ag are showing up more in the personal development space
0:32:52 Google Calendar is your best friend
0:33:30 The best to learn more about Emily and final thoughts and encouragement
In this episode, Elaine converses with good friend and well-renowned farm consultant, Dick Wittman from Lewiston-Clarkston, Idaho. Elaine and her guest dig deep to uncover some of the biggest issues holding farm families back from reaching success in their farm transition.
Dick Wittman offers guiding wisdom from his many years of experience in the ag industry. He explains some of the key issues that cause resistance, and practical, uncomplicated strategies to become a proactive farmer. You’ll learn more about Wittman’s Guidebook and why Elaine hails it as an incredibly powerful tool towards better transition.
Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.
Discover more about our guest: Dick Wittman.
Elaine Froese Resources:
Timestamps
0:00:03 Introduction to Dick Wittman
0:01:57 The key issue to the farmer’s resistance to getting good help
0:02:47 The difference between a salesman and an advisor
0:03:41 The importance of financial transparency
0:05:17 The questions you need to ask to take fear out of the equation
0:07:58 How to find Dick Wittman online
0:08:30 Investing in Dick’s Consulting Management Binder
0:09:07 How humiliation is having a negative impact on moving forward
0:09:47 Why farm families are so resistant to paying for a good advisor
0:11:58 How one advice of can save thousands of dollars
0:12:30 Elaine’s explains “a fair exchange of value”
0:14:43 Why farmers aren’t taking advantage of available tools
0:16:01 What the proactive farmer does to succeed
0:16:42 Dick’s guidebook is a transformative tool
0:19:01 What you can do to start moving forward with your transition planning
0:21:46 The importance of culture, and how it wins over strategy
0:23:53 Women can be a better rural resource by being champions of change
0:24:43 Commit to rolling up your sleeves and doing the work
0:26:12 How you can save $400 an hour
0:26:51 Booking a Discover Call with Elaine
Welcome to Season 3 of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast with Elaine Froese and guests! In this season’s opening episode, Elaine connects with midwestern farm wife and mom from Northern Illinois, Mary Pat Sass. Prepare yourself for some awesome ag insight!
Mary shares how she balances her many roles on the farm with motherhood and marriage, getting clear on what she wanted her life to look like, and how counseling, coaching, date nights, and babysitters have all helped her in creating that life.
Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.
Discover more about our guest: Mary Pat Sass and @marypat.sass.
Elaine Froese Resources:
Timestamps
0:01:49 How Mary’s role on the farm evolved, from scouting to motherhood 0:03:47 Finding flexible ways to stay involved with operations while mothering 0:04:23 Elaine shares a story of her own struggles of parenting while farming 0:05:11 Childcare strategies and keeping kids safe on the farm 0:06:05 Drop-in style childcare, and dividing and conquering with Josh (Mary’s husband) 0:07:35 A new season of life and the importance of boundaries 0:08:59 How the roles of Mary’s mother and father-in-law have changed 0:11:24 Impacts of over-committing and getting clear on what Mary wanted her life to look like 0:12:36 Staying organized, keeping the marriage healthy, and the decision to take Sundays off 0:15:40 Mutual respect, feeling valued, and asking for what you need 0:17:08 Getting counseling as personal investment for growth 0:18:35 Elaine’s big epiphany and how therapy is getting destigmatized 0:20:26 Date nights, babysitters, and bartering with childcare 0:22:21 Permission to ask for what you need 0:22:59 Dealing with burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm 0:26:28 The biggest challenges women in ag face in finding their place on the farm today 0:29:34 Realizing they couldn’t do it on their own and how coaching helped 0:33:29 Connecting with Mary via Instagram and her podcast Beyond The Crops
In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, we're joined by our favorite retired, but not really retired accountant, Glenn Dogterom, who brings decades of experience working with farm families to our coaching team. Together we dive deep into the art of mentorship for farm transitions. Glen shares insights from his years of working with farm families in southern Alberta, emphasizing the crucial role of mentorship in successful transitions by providing professional transition strategies. From building trust to fostering open communication, Glen highlights the key characteristics of effective mentors. We explore professional transition strategies for navigating the complexities of transition, including the importance of financial transparency and managing risk in farming. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just beginning your agricultural journey, this episode offers valuable insights into building a successful farm transition. Tune in to learn how mentorship can shape the future of your farm family!
"We have this thing in our practice that says, 'Change is inevitable, growth is optional.' And I think that's a great way to look at whether or not people are going to have the flexibility."
Timestamps
12:30 - 14:00: Learn Glenn’s experience working with farm families as an accountant and financial planner, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in successful farm transitions.
18:45 - 20:15: Discover the essential qualities of successful mentors in farm transition, including good listening skills, building trust, having an encouraging demeanor, and reliability.
26:10 - 28:30: Hear the significance of financial transparency in farm transition and the mentor's role in facilitating understanding of financial aspects for the successor.
36:50 - 39:20: Learn the necessity of patience in farm transition, particularly in waiting for the next generation to gain off-farm experience and skills before returning to the family farm.
47:10 - 50:00: Explore strategies for managing farm debt and equity in farm transition, including options for successors to acquire land or shares in the family business, and the importance of financial planning.
54:20 - 56:40: Address challenges and opportunities for young farmers in accessing resources, such as grants and government support, to help build their own enterprises and gain economic traction.
Glenn Dogterom is a dedicated professional with a deep-seated passion for empowering farm families through transitions. With a robust background as a public accountant and financial planner, he honed his expertise within the agricultural sector, specializing in guiding farm families through the intricate process of succession planning. Glenn's commitment to facilitating smooth transitions and fostering sustainable legacies has propelled him into the role of a Farm Family Transition Coach, where he continues to make a meaningful impact on the farming community. Learn more at: https://elainefroese.com/coaching/coaching-team/
We hope you found this episode of "Mentoring For Great Management Transition” as insightful as we did and learned some professional transition strategies for easy transition! Share your thoughts in the comments below—we're all ears! Your experiences and perspectives are what make this community thrive. Let's keep the conversation going!
In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, I meet with Arlen Motz of Agribusiness Mindset. We discuss the importance of self-belief and curiosity, highlighting how these elements are crucial for empowering oneself and others. We explore their application in farm transitions, farm planning, leadership, and grain marketing, with Arlen sharing insights from his coaching and leadership training. Prepare to gain valuable perspectives on maintaining open communication, managing emotions effectively, and embracing a growth-oriented mindset. Whether you're dealing with fluctuating grain prices or navigating family dynamics on the farm, this episode provides practical tools and insights to help you thrive.
"In my journey, I learned that believing in yourself and maintaining a curious mindset can transform how you navigate challenges on the farm. Empower yourself first, and then empower others." - Arlen Motz
We have discussed grain marketing, farm challenges, and much more here are the timestamps.1:45 - Discover the importance of the emotional factors affecting planning and marketing in farm transition.
2:20 - Learn Arlen’s personal experience with farm transition and marketing canola crops with his father-in-law, offering practical examples of navigating intergenerational farming challenges.
8:50 - Hear how to build self-belief and empower oneself and others through curiosity, to cultivate a growth mindset for personal and professional development.
10:40 - Gain insight from Arlen’s example of addressing a misunderstanding with his father-in-law through respectful communication, demonstrating practical conflict resolution techniques.
11:39 - Learn the importance of progress over perfection in relationships to maintain harmony and continuous improvement in family farming operations.
14:00 - Unlock strategies on how to build trust and collaboration in family farming.
Arlen Motz is a certified personal and business mindset coach with a passion for training leaders on how to be the best they possibly can be. Learn more by visiting: https://www.agribusinessmindset.com/
For Elaine’s standard resources, visit:
Download resources for free: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/
Book Elaine Froese to speak at your next event: elainefroese.com/speaking
Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching
Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books
Our founding member’s launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in October: elainefroese.com/membership
We hope you found this episode of "Rats, The Price Went Up After I Sold! Ag Mindsets" as insightful as we did, especially with the valuable grain marketing tips! Share your thoughts in the comments below—we're all ears! Your experiences and perspectives are what make this community thrive. Let's keep the conversation going!
In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine meets with guest Lewellyn Melnyk who shares her personal journey of overcoming mental health struggles while growing up on a farm in Manitoba. Her book, "Rooted: How I Stay Small Town Strong When Life Gets Hard, and How You Can Too," serves as a guide for rural women in agriculture, offering insights and coping mechanisms for navigating life's challenges. From the importance of connection and vulnerability to the role of music and self-care, Llewellyn emphasizes the need for open conversations and prioritizing mental wellness in farming communities. Through her own experiences and those of others, she highlights the power of resilience and the value of seeking support. Join the conversation as Llewellyn discusses the significance of understanding one's values, setting boundaries, and taking small steps toward better mental health.
“I think as farmers and people working in the ag industry, we are very susceptible to mental health challenges in the circumstances that we live in and work in. And so it's very, very important that we have boundaries and make those boundaries for ourselves and stick by them."
Timestamps
0:49 Lewellen emphasizes her motivation behind writing her book and what she wants listeners to discover.
4:12 Discusses supporting new mothers from Postpartum depression to hormonal changes.
7:53 Explores emotional connection, vulnerability, and the prevalence of loneliness in rural communities.
16:36 Emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and putting your mental health first.
19:09 Touches on discovering signs of loneliness and the significance of checking on others.
22:32 Discusses setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being for farmers.
Lewellyn Melnyk: Author, Farmer, and Mental Health Advocate
Lewellyn’s new book “Rooted” is a prescriptive memoir that tells the story of her own struggles with anxiety and depression and offers tips on how to stay small-town strong when things get tough. Mental health is one of the biggest threats to rural communities, and Lewellyn has made it her life’s work to start more discussions around this topic, advocating for agriculture, women, and mental health. Visit https://www.lewellynmelnyk.com/ to learn more.
For mental health resources, visit:
For Elaine’s standard resources, visit:
I hope you found this episode on Rural Roots & Mental Health as insightful as we did! Share your thoughts in the comments below—we're all ears! Your experiences and perspectives are what make this community thrive. Let's keep the conversation going!
In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine Froese and Lydia Carpenter, part of Elaine’s coaching team, explore the crucial elements of emotional strength in farm leadership. With a focus on empowering both seasoned founders and the next generation of farmers, Elaine and Lydia share practical strategies for fostering resilience, navigating tough conversations, and building trust within farm families. From embracing accountability and adaptability to fostering empathy and open communication, this episode offers invaluable insights for cultivating emotional resilience and fostering harmony in farm leadership. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, this episode provides actionable advice for becoming an emotionally strong leader on the farm.
“It's stepping back and rising to the occasion of becoming an emotionally strong leader without stepping away.”
Timestamps:
4:54 Discusses emotional intelligence in agriculture, mentioning the importance of self-reflection and adaptability.
9:18 Reviews building emotional strength in farmers through peer networks and mentorship.
12:43 Discusses using performance appraisals to identify strengths and weaknesses, improve management support, and foster self-reflection among resistant older farmers.
16:59 Shares personal experience as a first-generation farmer and relates to founders' challenges in transferring knowledge to the next generation.
20:57 Emphasizes the importance of a shared leadership journey for both generations, with a focus on communication, appreciation, and forgiveness.
25:45 Reviews how clarity of expectations, emotional health, and agreements are key for successful farm leadership.
Lydia Carpenter lives and farms in Manitoba and is a mediator and coach with Elaine Froese Farm Family Coach. She has a Master’s Degree in Natural Resources Management with a research focus in rural livelihoods. She has hands-on experience as an owner/operator and built a profitable cattle grazing and beef business as a first-generation farmer. Lydia and her spouse/ business partner are also part of a family farm transition plan with non-family. She is most passionate about the human relationships needed to make farming and rural communities really work. Her passion for the people in agriculture has driven her pursuit of lifelong learning and relationship building. For more information, visit: https://elainefroese.com/coaching/coaching-team/
Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/
Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking
Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching
Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books
Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb
Order The Emotionally Strong Leader by Carolyn Stern Here: https://carolynstern.com/book/
Check out the Being an Emotionally Strong Farm Parent Article Here: https://www.grainews.ca/farm-life/being-an-emotionally-strong-farm-parent/
Check out the Country Guide November 2023 Edition Here: https://www.country-guide.ca/digital-edition/country-guide_2023-10-31/
Check out the Country Guide February 2024 Edition Here: https://www.country-guide.ca/digital-edition/country-guide_2024-01-30/
Our founding member’s launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in October: elainefroese.com/membership
Improve the HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY of your ranch, the PROFITABILITY of your business, and the QUALITY of your life. Join the Ranching for Profit: https://ranchmanagement.com/ranching-for-profit-school-2/
I hope you found this episode on How to be an Emotionally Strong Leader on a Farm as insightful as we did!
In this thought-provoking episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, What Does Money Mean to You? Elaine and financial psychologist Dr. Moira Somers dive into the complexities of wealth and legacy within affluent families. They explore the intricate web of personal narratives surrounding money, emphasizing its profound impact on family dynamics and future planning. Throughout their discussion, they stress the importance of financial responsibility, literacy, and effective communication in managing family wealth and resolving conflicts. Together, they provide practical insights and guidance for navigating the intricate landscape of wealth, fostering sustainable wealth management, and leaving a meaningful legacy for future generations.
“If you can show up peaceably, in regards to your relationship to money, you can often show up much more peaceably in regards to relationships in general.”
Timestamps:
4:18: Discuss the challenge of transferring wealth to the next generation, particularly for those who have experienced financial insecurity in the past.
11:54: Emphasize the importance of financial education and literacy, particularly for women, and encourage them to seek advice from trustworthy advisors.
22:51: Discuss challenges in having difficult conversations with farm families about transferring wealth, including feelings of embarrassment and humiliation around not meeting expectations.
27:20: Acknowledge difficulty in equally distributing wealth within a family business, suggesting mechanisms for addressing this issue.
31:42 Discuss the importance of sharing emotions and perspectives on money management in a family farm business.
Dr. Moira Somers is a psychologist, family wealth consultant and executive coach. She specializes in the psychology of money. Moira addresses matters that range from the highly personal concerns of individuals and families all the way up to broader service, design and structural issues affecting financial follow-through and equitable access to capital.
Visit her website for more information: https://moneymindandmeaning.com/
Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/
Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books.
Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb
Our founding Members launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in October: elainefroese.com/membership.
In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine is joined by friend Lauren Lundt. Lauren shares her journey from Central Florida to Iowa, marrying into a multi-generational farming family. Facing unexpected challenges like the passing of her father-in-law, Lauren offers insights into building relationships with in-laws and finding her place in the farming community.
Together, Lauren and Elaine discuss the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and embracing change. Lauren's story highlights the need for understanding and flexibility as farm families navigate evolving dynamics.
“I hate texting for communication… I'm a big believer in being able to see people's eyeballs. And the eyes are the window to the soul and to have a sense of the tonality”.
Timestamps
6:57 Discusses how in-laws face challenges in adjusting to new roles and emotional support after the loss of a spouse.
10:49 Reveals helpful communication strategies for in-laws.
15:53 Lauren describes her experience with her husband and in-laws after the death of her father-in-law and one of the founders of their farm.
24:45 Elaine and Lauren reflect on their experience with in-laws in agriculture, mentioning the importance of cultural DNA and the need for vulnerability and honesty in decision-making.
29:38 Emphasizes how to balance farm work and family life, highlighting the tension between work and play for the next generation.
Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/
Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books.
Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb
Our founding Members launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in October: elainefroese.com/membership
In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony podcast, Elaine is joined by her special guest and fellow coach, Crisol Gonzalez, calling in from her dairy farm in Mexico. As a bilingual coach working with Spanish-speaking families across North America, Crisol brings a unique perspective to the table. With her background in law, education, and family facilitation, Crisol is well-equipped to tackle the challenges faced by farm families.
Elaine and Crisol dive deep into the intricacies of family meetings, focusing on how to build a conducive environment for fruitful discussions. They emphasize the importance of setting a clear theme for each meeting and establishing guidelines that promote respect, honesty, and active listening. Crisol shares practical strategies for managing conflicts and navigating diverse communication styles within the family.
“The first meeting that you are going to facilitate in your family, is the one that sets the ground for everybody to trust.”
Timestamps:
6:41 Highlights how the agenda should be focused on exploring the big-picture vision for the farm and family, with ground rules established to ensure productive discussion.
11:36 The group discusses using a shared values board as a reminder of their chosen values during heated or unexpected moments.
17:44 Crisol expresses frustration with a culture that wants things done quickly, but also recognizes the importance of planning and preparation for transition.
23:14 Crisol recommends creating a safe space for family members to express their love and appreciation for each other, which can lead to more meaningful and productive conversations.
Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/
Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books.
Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb
Our founding Members launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in October: elainefroese.com/membership
The podcast currently has 28 episodes available.
144 Listeners
101 Listeners
362 Listeners
104 Listeners
392 Listeners
469 Listeners
309 Listeners
267 Listeners
244 Listeners
61 Listeners
176 Listeners
303 Listeners
1,385 Listeners
3,171 Listeners
218 Listeners