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Succession Planning

There are No Playbooks for Farm Transitions

Is there an easy how-to book or checklist that will guarantee a successful family farm transition? No. Is there an easy way you can sit down in an afternoon and complete your transition plan? No. The fact is the odds are against any family farm successfully transitioning to the next generation. Thus, when family farms do transition successfully, it is something to be proud of. Every farm is different, and every family is unique. Thus, each family farm has a unique history, culture, family dynamic, and business. Every farm moves at a different pace, and what is a roadblock to one farm...

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Let Go. Then Reach Out for Opportunities

During this time of the year, we all look back at the past while also looking forward. We realize that there are things we could have done better and things that went much better than expected. That’s the nature of life. It’s also natural to hang on to the old in an ever-changing world. As business owners, we try to control every detail of our business while trying to grow. We tend to hang on to the old ways of doing things because they are familiar. We may hang on to the idea that our employees need micromanagement to be successful....

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Thirty Years Ago an Accident Changed My Life Forever…

I celebrate Thanksgiving a little early each year. My personal day of Thanksgiving is October 17th. That may seem odd, but 30 years ago it was the day that changed my life forever. The day started out with lots of anticipation because it was the first day of pheasant hunting and it was my first time hunting. What thirteen-year-old wouldn’t feel the excitement and joy of hunting with friends on one of those perfect fall days? The sky was clear blue with those high wispy clouds. How can I remember the clouds 30 years later? That’s what I saw when...

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Daily Huddle: Big Plays in World Series Start in Little League

It’s the last game of the World Series and the bases are loaded in the bottom of the ninth. Your team is down by one. Assume you’ve never played a game of baseball. No Little League, no high school or collegiate play. It’s your turn at bat. What are the odds you will drive in the winning run? The scenario above is ridiculous. Yet, similar scenarios play out each day on farms and businesses across the USA and Canada. As you are well aware, there is always plenty to do on a farm and most days involve rushing from one...