In this episode, my guest is Ben Law, former financial advisor turned podcaster and strategic coach for agribusinesses and the rural community - helping them grow, protect, and transition family wealth by addressing the problems and pitfalls of succession.

We discuss the importance of preparing the next generation to be good custodians of wealth by cultivating early succession planning. We also explore how fear, language, and financial transparency all play a role in whether or not a farm family thrives. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand how the combination of wealth, wisdom, and wellness are key factors in the overall success of high-performance farm families.

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

Discover more about our guest: Ben Law

Elaine Froese Resources:

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

Timestamps

0:00:30 Introduction to Ben Law

0:05:58 Why some farm families thrive and others don’t

0:08:03 The 3 factors of wealth, wisdom, and wellness

0:010:06 Being proactive vs reactive

0:12:41 High-performing families are built, not born

0:15:37 How Ben got clarity on his new identity

0:18:00 Using language to understand what someone truly wants

0:23:30 How to address to fear of failure

0:27:30 The telltale signs that a succession either will or won’t be successful

0:30:43 Why all generations need to be at the table (including both on and off-farm siblings)

0:35:20 It’s the unsaid things that are the problem

0:36:39 How can you add value to the farm as an off-farm family member?

0:41:09 A hopeful message to any despondent mom’s

In this episode, my guest is Robin Tunnicliffe - vegetable farmer and co-owner of Sea Bluff Farm in Saanich, Vancouver Island. Robin was one of the attendees at a workshop I held in Saanich over a decade ago, and today, we discuss her journey from not knowing where to start to now owning equity as a non-family farm member.

We discuss Robin’s transition from farm apprentice to farm owner and the challenges she faced along the way, including making sure everyone was on board during all the phases of transition. We also talk about how Robin’s husband, Sasha, played an instrumental role in the success of the transition, as well as the power of written agreements.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in non-related joint venture farming.

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

Discover more about our guest: Robin Tunnicliffe

Elaine Froese Resources:

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

Timestamps

0:00:30 Introduction to Robin Tunnicliffe

0:02:45The story behind Sea Bluff

0:04:59 How Robin became part of the farm as a non-family member

0:06:04 What culture means when it comes to the farm

0:07:01 The power of written agreements

0:09:56 When Robin actually secured equity in the farm - the tipping point

0:12:58 Making sure everyone was in agreement

0:14:43 Robin’s succession plan 

0:16:28 The benefits of becoming incorporated

0:17:04 The Legacy of Sea Bluff 

0:19:31 Finding other channels of profitability

In this episode, I sit down for the first time on this podcast with our newest coaching teammate, Alyssa Brown. Alyssa is a fifth-generation farmer, mom, and farm partner who is passionate about working with farmers to stay financially organized on the farm.

We have an in-depth discussion about the consequences of delayed decision-making and how changing that habit can help determine the long-term profitability and sustainability of your farm. Alyssa shares several practical strategies and useful tools for financial organization as well as tips for young farmers who are struggling to get founding farmers on board.

By the end of the episode, you’ll have a good grasp on the next steps of your own financial journey and will have gained knowledge as to why a team of advisors (who you actually like!) will save you money in the long run.

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 waitlist for the Membership
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition 
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:00:30 Introduction to Alyssa Brown

0:03:21 The first step to getting financially organized

0:04:58 Separating the family account from the farm account

0:05:30 Embracing new technology for accounting

0:08:28 Accounting software options

0:09:08 Tracking non-cash transactions

0:13:09 Variable costs vs fixed costs

0:16:19 Organization tip for tracking fixed vs variable costs

0:18:02 A useful piece of info to include on your spreadsheet

0:19:21 Financial transparency on the farm

0:23:18 Where to gain better financial literacy 

0:25:39 Having a good connection with your team of advisors is important 

0:26:56 Using a funnel as a visual metaphor 

0:28:11 Was it about farmers not wanting to pay tax?

0:33:55 How young farmers can get their whole family to the table

0:36:52 Why it’s important for advisors to be transparent about their work

In this episode, I sit down with Farm Family Coach Kalynn Spain - a certified Leadership Coach with a degree in Conflict Resolution Studies and over five years of training and volunteer experience as a mediator. In this discussion Kalynn shares recent insights from her experience with moving in with the in-laws and beginning the challenging, but hopeful journey of farm succession planning.

We also explore how healthy boundaries are essential to stay firm as a family when transitioning to farm life. We discuss what it looks like to remain true to your own family values, dreams, and schedules while integrating with life on the farm.

By the end of the episode, you’ll have gained a new perspective on the importance of boundaries for self-care, a sense of safety, living authentically, and working together towards a more intentional future.

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 - become a 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

0:00:30 Introduction to Kalynn Spain 

0:02:57 Boundaries and emotional regulation

0:08:01 Assumptions began after moving to the farm

0:08:43 We don’t always need to give specific reasons

0:09:07 External vs internal boundaries

0:10:04 Saying no authentically

0:13:29 Finding the courage to set boundaries

0:16:46 Healthy ways to build trust

0:21:00 Going to a financial planner for clarity on and off the farm

0:26:00 Challenging assumptions and the stories we tell ourselves

0:28:47 Boundaries promote safety and the authentic self

In this episode, my guest is Patti Durand - author, speaker, facilitator, and mediator ​​specializing in succession planning for family businesses. Patti has just released her first book, The Future Leader - which is effectively a workbook families can read together and use as an instruction guide to work through the tough stuff. We discuss how much of the strife families experience is simply because they do not yet have the language to communicate their needs in a clear and effective way.

Patti shares key information about how assumptions, accountability, and avoidance play a big role in the success of the successor and what you can do to assure it. Our conversation is geared towards folks in agriculture, but Patti has made it a priority to make sure anyone reading her book, no matter their background or gender, is able to benefit from the wisdom within.

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

Discover more about our guest: Patti Durand

Elaine Froese Resources:

Watch this episode on YouTube.

• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - become a 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

0:00:30 Introduction to Patti Durand 

0:01:21 Why the title to Patti’s book changed

0:03:00 Patti’s path to Brightrack Consulting

0:05:52 Patti’s key messages

0:06:53 Why the book was written in 2nd person and without gender 

0:09:21 Giving farmers the language they need for hard conversations

0:10:30 The thing about assumptions

0:13:23 Awareness and better decision-making at an earlier age

0:16:14 What’s stopping people from breaking down assumptions

0:17:15 Transparency and personal wealth bubbles

0:20:23 Accountability when you don’t know the answer

0:21:58 Why founders find financial transparency so difficult

0:23:39 Communication habits that are not serving us

0:24:50 A peer network beyond your family

0:29:30 What drives Patti’s passion

In this solo episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, we’ll bring in the New Year with the topic of living with intention. Throughout the episode, I’ll ask you to ponder many areas in your life, including all the different roles you play in your busy life as a farmer, friend, and family member.

I talk about the fact that we have many choices when it comes to living an intentional life. I challenge you to go deep and explore how you’re currently showing up on the farm and what things you might want to change to show up differently in 2025. We’ll go over tips and ideas on practical ways to make mindset shifts that will lead to a more meaningful, intentional life. 

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

Elaine Froese Resources:

Watch this episode on YouTube.

SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event

COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach

MEMBERSHIP - become a 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

0:00:00 Introduction

0:00:30 Alison Weaver’s Rural Lifestyle Planner, “Navigate 2025”

0:01:36 Living an intentional life 

0:02:55 Speaking engagements in 2025

0:04:33 Shifting mindsets in agriculture

0:05:45 How are you living intentionally in your 6 Key Roles?

0:08:24 What is your Rallying Cry?

0:09:32 Community Support (beyond your family)

0:10:40 One of the roles I struggle with 

0:11:48 Your cherished belief

0:13:35 Financial Transparency 

0:15:19 Blocking priorities in Google Calendar

0:16:19 Planning your mini-transition

0:18:46 Cocooning

0:22:40 Having strong self-worth

0:23:17 What is your vision for 2025?

In this episode, my guest is Farm Family Coach Lyle Wiens - a professional Agrologist and Grain Marketing Advisor, with training in conflict management, mediation, and group facilitation.

We discuss Lyle’s knowledge on an approach to leadership called the “Art of Hosting”, including the four Principles of Dialogue in which the goal is a meaningful and impactful dialogue that is respectful, creative, generative, and allows for solutions. Listeners will gain insightful and practical wisdom on how to achieve a farm family transition that is oriented towards creating conditions for positive relationships and building healthy teams and organizational culture.

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 waitlist for the Farm Family Harmony Membership
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition 
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:00:30 Introduction to Lyle Wiens

0:03:34 Art of Hosting and the Principles of Dialogue

0:05:33 Key Principles of the Principles of Dialogue

0:08:42 What it means to “host yourself”

0:10:03 Listening vs Convincing

0:10:42 Barry Johnson and Polarity

0:13:51 Honoring the intensity of agriculture

0:18:00 Power dynamic in farm family transition

0:18:45 Navigating and hosting powerful people

0:20:00 Sitting with tension and being conflict-aware

0:22:23 The stories we tell ourselves

0:23:25 Power, Control, and Perfectionism

0:25:42 Nonviolent Communication

0:26:23 Life-alienating Communication

0:27:26 Moralistic Judgements

0:29:16 Limiting Beliefs 

0:31:35 There’s always a choice 

0:36:25 Crying and the culture of love 

0:35:42 A generational resistance to face-to-face conversation

In this episode, I sit down with multi-lingual (English/Spanish) coaching teammate and life-long learner Lydia Carpenter. Lydia is a first-generation farmer with a fascinating background in climate science and meteorology and a passion for people in agriculture. Together we explore the difference between "complicated" and "complex" systems, particularly as they apply to farm transition and family dynamics.

Through the lens of complexity theory, we discuss why cookie-cutter checklists often fall short and how embracing complexity can actually be empowering for farm families.

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

Discover more about our guest: Lydia Carpenter

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

0:00:30 Introduction to Lydia Carpenter and complexity theory

0:03:55 Complicated is not the same as complex 

0:07:00 The three circles: family, management, and ownership

0:09:15 Why checklists aren't always the answer

0:10:38 Key characteristics of complex systems

0:13:02 The importance of internal and external stories

0:15:37 Creating space for meaningful dialogue

0:18:33 Self-awareness and situational awareness

0:21:41 Working with patterns and making changes

0:25:05 The power of diverse voices and perspectives

0:28:18 Moving forward despite uncertainty

0:30:34 Taking the next steps and creating healthy patterns

0:32:45 Embracing complexity in farm transition

0:34:50 The importance of ongoing dialogue and communication

In this episode, my guest is Glenn Dogterom, Farm Family Transition Coach, retired CPA, financial planner, and acting member of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors. Over the years, Glenn has provided various services to his clients including tax planning and preparation, financial statements, cash flows, and transition planning. Glenn proposes there’s a better, more thoughtful approach to transition without all the pressure and potential for bad decision-making.

We discuss practical strategies for achieving realistic timelines and involving the younger generation from the get-go, as well as what to do and expect if you haven’t. At the end of this episode, you will gain a better understanding of how much time it truly takes to achieve a more meaningful transition, and why taking into consideration inevitables like illness and debt is so important.

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

Discover more about our guest: Glenn Dogterom

Elaine Froese Resources:

Watch this episode on YouTube.

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

0:00:30 Introduction Glenn Dogterom

0:01:30 What to do when you’re stuck

0:03:55 Creating realistic timelines and involving your children in the process

0:07:00 Assessing your skills and creating a business plan as a younger farmer

0:08:21 Financial preparedness and passing on debt 

0:10:38 How to lean on your team of trusted advisors

0:13:02 Navigating transition in the midst of health issues

0:15:37 Finding harmony through understanding can take time

0:18:33 Glenn’s favorite “good transition” story

0:21:41 It’s a journey, not a sprint

In this episode, my guest is a teammate, conflict transformation facilitator, organization transition coach, and dairy farm partner from Chihuahua, Mexico, Crisol Gonzalez. Tune in to hear our discussion on how being aware of and taking personal responsibility for the role you play in conflict is crucial for success.

We explore what the Karpman Drama Triangle has to do with dysfunctional dynamics in an attempt to bring awareness to what roles you and your farm family members may be playing to contribute to conflict. Additionally, we discuss the work of Dr. Marshall Rosenberg and nonviolent communication, the difference between an emotion and a feeling, and a range of useful tools for conflict resolution.

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

Discover more about our guest: Crisol Gonzalez

Elaine Froese Resources:

Watch this episode on YouTube.

• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - become a 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

0:00:30 Introduction Crisol Gonzalez 

0:01:18 Karpman Drama Triangle 

0:04:23 Who in your farm family is playing the ‘victim’ role?

0:06:15 Why the ‘villain’ gets nothing accomplished in family meetings

0:07:37 How to get everyone to the table 

0:08:27 Women are tired of being the mediator in the middle

0:10:55 Getting triggered quickly

0:11:13 Dr. Marshall Rosenberg and nonviolent communication

0:11:47 Crisol’s work in the local school system 

0:12:36 The difference between an ‘emotion’ and ‘feeling’

0:15:45 The Conflict Dynamics Profile

0:17:50 Writing it out before talking is a powerful tool

0:21:59 Using voice notes if you don’t like to write

0:22:55 Asking permission before offering feedback

0:25:03 Conflict Basics 101 and dysfunctional dynamics

0:28:30 Having each other’s back

 0:29:36 Are farm women getting what they need?

0:30:34 The Farm Family Transition Membership and breakout rooms