Three ways to advance farm transition planning

Three ways to advance farm transition planning

‘Canada’s farm whisperer’ recommends key discussion topics for farm families

Farm family coach, author and speaker Elaine Froese has a clear message for farmers who are not actively working on transition planning. “Stop procrastinating and avoiding conflict,” she says. “To […] Read more

Farm family coach Elaine Froese says identifying values is a crucial exercise for young farmers and she encourages them to think about how to explain these to the older generation.

Top transition tips for young farmers

How the next generation can help farm transition be successful

Transitioning management and ownership of a farm business from one generation to the next can present many challenges. While there are numerous resources to support farm founders in assessing their […] Read more

Farm transition and business management specialist Ray Riel says the traditional view of business legacy involves property but it’s more than that for farm families. Farming has a “legacy made of values, attitudes, property, heirlooms, stories and traditions that form part of family culture.”

Managing a family legacy

Property can be protected through improved legal agreements, while accounting for emotional connections

Explaining estate decisions might be the key difference between maintaining a viable farm business and disintegration of a family legacy.  In part three of this farm business planning series, Ray […] Read more

farm family beside a red barn

Why life insurance matters in succession

Farm transition specialist Ray Riel discusses what different types of insurance can and can’t do for a family and business

In a previous edition of Farmtario, we spoke with farm transition professional Ray Riel about why young farmers should have a last Will and Testament. In this instalment, Riel expands […] Read more



A professor emeritus says an effective management strategy is to put yourself in the situation of ‘what if’ and begin addressing difficult questions and situations that might arise from the uncertainties of farming.

Planning for “What if”

Succession planning questions to ask and steps to take to start the conversation

Many farms think an unexpected change will never happen in their family. The premise is: “our family operation has nothing to worry about.” Few family operations survive unexpected changes to […] Read more

Marie, left and Gary Baars with their children.

Talk about money, even though it’s tough

Having clear financial conversations can go a long ways towards building a successful succession plan

This is part of a continuing series by Matt McIntosh looking at succession issues. Discussing farm finances and the financial aspect of succession can be tough. This is particularly true […] Read more



“Succession planning may not be as big a deal as some people think it might be. It’s definitely a long process … it’s important to know where each other’s mind is at.” – Angus MacLaughlin.

Three approaches to farm succession success

Frank discussion and a gradual approach have helped these families with their farm transitions

The reality of just how capital-intensive farming can be becomes apparent when it’s time to pass on the business — the next generation needs capital to get in and the […] Read more