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
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53: Grumpy Farm Men... Andropause?
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
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52: How to Ask for Better Pay on Your Farm
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
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51: Dealing with Dementia on the Farm
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
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50: How to Talk About Your Mortality
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)
Get personal with Elaine Froese, Canada's Farm Whisperer, in Farm Family Harmony, where no farm topic is taboo! Whether it's about a Daughter-In-Law feeling left out of the farm family, which sibling gets the family farm, or when it's time to tell Mom and Dad to respectfully retire, Elaine covers the crucial conversations every farm family needs to have.
New Zealand