Working with Family - Articles - Page 3

Succession planning: Incentivizing the next generation of family farmers

Ideas for encouraging reluctant heirs to the family business include a solid business plan, financial support, profit-sharing plans, incentive bonuses tied to performance and/or milestones, developing an ownership transition plan, mentorship, educational/training opportunities and strategies for work-life balance.

January 11, 2024

Zack Drucker

Some of the concerns heirs have in taking over the family farm include the financial viability of farming, the challenges of modern agriculture and lifestyle implications.

Tips for in-laws: How to be seen and heard at your farm’s decision-making table

A framework including observations, feelings, needs and requests can help all members of the family and farm team communicate.

December 13, 2023

Elaine Froese

There are many overlapping systems in play on a family farm. Your family circle is your nuclear family which relates to your parents or in-laws, and your siblings, who may also be business partners or farm heirs.

How to start awkward conversations

Begin the transition planning conversation by keeping it light. Ask to have an initial conversation about transition planning at some point in the future, and encourage others to speak up about their vision for a successful transition.

December 8, 2023

Tim Schaefer

Successful transition planning begins with a first and formal transition conversation, and how the first conversation goes often sets the stage for the entire process. Get off on a good foot, and the entire process is smoother.

Beat holiday stress with boundaries

Tips for setting healthy boundaries and examples of what these boundaries may look like in various situations.

November 13, 2023

Emily Krekelberg

It always seems like our stress gets amped up during the holidays – traveling, planning, spending money, seeing family and friends – it’s a lot to manage. We’re told this is a time to slow down, reflect and celebrate.

Getting your partnership with the next generation off on the right foot

Tips to minimize conflict between family members when transitioning the business between generations or making other major business decisions.

October 13, 2023

Andy (Caygeon) Junkin

Twenty-five years ago, I would have told you that topics like self confidence and insecurities were a bunch of fluff. However, I’ve been through a lot and can tell you that it is the soft issues that become hard problems in farming.

How to ask for better compensation and farm perks

Communicate openly about fair compensation, using tools and data. Align goals, discuss sacrifices, plan succession and match compensation to roles for harmony and growth of the farm team.

September 27, 2023

Elaine Froese

Young farm families have many expectations to manage as they work on farms as employees, raise small children and juggle time for off-farm revenue. One of the best ways to have less stress about compensation from the farm is to figure out what you need for personal family living expenses.

Motorized equipment safety: On and off the farm

Farm equipment and vehicles are risky; both drivers and pedestrians must be cautious. Safety training, visibility, maintenance and precautions are crucial to keeping everyone safe.

September 21, 2023

Cheryl DeCooman

Farm equipment, and motorized vehicles in general, are dangerous. It is important that not only the driver is diligent in operating the equipment safely, but that all pedestrians near the vehicle are also aware of the dangers and act accordingly.

Stop walking on eggshells

Examples of how borderline personality disorder can cause destruction in farm families.

August 24, 2023

Andy (Caygeon) Junkin

What causes 30-plus years of building a family and a farm to fall apart within five minutes? Well, there are several reasons, but one is borderline personality disorder.