Communication is a vital component of any business. Farms are no exception. Whether it is communicating with the family members involved in the running of the farm, or it is with outside employees who help out with the everyday workload, it is extremely important to have an organized system of communicating with each other. Clear communication […]
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Just as every small business has its own characteristic strengths and weaknesses, a family farm is built upon a thousand unique factors. Market niche. Natural resources. Weather fluctuations. Worker availability. And… the in-laws. Plan For Success When in-laws come into the picture, start with an open mind. True, the stereotype is that in-laws are always your greatest […]
When family members go into business together, lines can often get easily blurred. On a family farm, bonding time may happen out in a hay-field, and business meetings may happen around the dinner table. When decisions must be made, though, it is important to have a plan for farm family meetings. Why should we plan a meeting? Between […]
Conflict is a normal part of any relationship, whether professional or familial. Although it can make us uncomfortable, conflict isn’t necessarily bad. A good, healthy conflict will help you grow stronger, moving your business and family forward in a positive direction. The key to successfully navigating conflict is communication. Try our 7 tips to handle conflict […]
A farm is not a simple gift wrapped in shiny paper and handed to a child with a smile. It is a complicated operation, and handing it down to the next generation is a complicated process, especially when more than one sibling is involved. Here are some things to consider before you talk to your […]
The first blush of family farming is exhilarating, scary, fun and costly, we all know this. What some may not realize is the toll it can take on extended family relations, especially at the beginning. Non-Farming Family While you and your household may have found your hearts in tilled soil and young livestock, extended family may […]
Farm families in the US, as well as agribusiness owners, need to know that the future of their farms depends on their preparation. Keeping the farm and the family together is something that farmers need to discuss, learn more about, and ensure. Today, over 75% of farm owners do not have a plan of succession […]
Once upon a time, children inherited their parents’ professions like they would their house and clothes. It stood to reason that if your father was a farmer, you would grow up to be a farmer, too. In the old days, having children who could take over their parents’ agribusiness helped provide peace-of-mind and stability to […]
Sibling rivalry can start early, and once the seeds of discontent have been sown between siblings, it often gets worse before it gets better — if it gets better at all. The question of who inherits the farm has split families apart and created irreconcilable differences between brothers and sisters who were once best friends. […]
Marrying a farmer is a unique situation. If you didn’t grow up on a farm, marrying into one is a bigger life change than pairing up with, say, a lawyer or teacher. You’ll most likely live on your family’s farm, and the farm business will be part of almost all aspects of your life. There’s […]
