In this episode, I talk with David about the challenges blended farm families face during succession and estate transitions. We explore how honest communication, early planning, and choosing to overcome family dysfunction can shape a healthier legacy. David shares personal stories and lessons learned navigating complex family dynamics, while I highlight practical tips and resources for farm families ready to have the tough conversations before crisis hits. If you’re involved in farm succession or blended family transitions, this episode offers valuable insights to help you move forward with clarity and compassion. Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com. Discover more about our guest: David Marrison 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 0:00:34 - Introduction of David Marrison and podcast topic on blended families 0:03:00 - David's background growing up on a dairy farm 0:05:48 - Discussion of family losses (father's death, first wife's cancer diagnosis) 0:09:24 - David's career with the Ohio State University farm management 0:11:51 - Resources available at farm office.osu.edu 0:14:06 - Why farmers are hesitant to ask for help 0:16:29 - Appreciative inquiry approach to farm family conversations 0:20:30 - Importance of family legacy and storytelling 0:26:29 - Challenges of blended families and communication 0:41:58 - Discussing farm transition and family dynamics 0:50:46 - Strategies for training the next generation 0:57:54 - Biggest risk in farm transition (preparing next generation)
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47: The Founder’s Role to Foster Healthy Farm Business Culture
In this episode, I sit down with farm family coach and agrologist Lyle Wiens to explore the founder’s critical role in shaping a healthy farm business culture. We unpack how clear communication strategies, strong leadership, and early planning can ease generational transition and prevent conflict. Lyle shares actionable insights on aligning values, building a communication plan, and navigating tough conversations – all rooted in real farm experience. If you’re planning your farm’s future, this conversation is a must-listen. Lyle is a valued member of our coaching team, and young farmers will really appreciate his perspective! Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com. Discover more about our guest: Lyle Wiens 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 0:02:05 - Lyle discusses his work in farm family transition and succession 0:02:41 - Background on the painting in his office and personal reflection 0:05:14 - Discussion on farm business culture and working with farm families 0:05:47 - Expectations of clients and the complexity of family systems 0:07:59 - Challenges in family businesses, particularly around behavior 0:10:17 - Personal growth and taking responsibility for one's actions 0:12:01 - Impact of self-reflection on empathy and emotional regulation 0:13:33 - The founder's role in creating a positive business culture 0:15:14 - Challenges of founders holding onto power and avoiding difficult conversations 0:22:52 - Importance of personality tests like Enneagram 0:27:09 - Personal story about working with family and receiving criticism 0:34:02 - Discussion on why people change and personal motivation 0:40:38 - Role of forgiveness in family business dynamics 0:49:12 - Final key advice: understanding who you are as a founder
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46: Designing Great Decisions as a Young Adult Farmer
In this episode, my guest is Cheryl Mitchell, founder of Farm Legacy and a longtime advocate for communication, leadership, and education in agriculture. Cheryl brings deep experience helping farm families navigate generational dynamics and make sound decisions during farm succession planning. We discuss how young farmers and ranchers can design better decisions during the early stages of their careers, especially when navigating the emotional terrain of multigenerational farm transition planning. Cheryl and I explore how generational identities, from the Silent Generation to Gen Z, shape values, expectations, and communication styles on the farm. You’ll learn why listening well, asking thoughtful questions, and building trust across generations are critical to keeping the farm legacy alive. Cheryl also shares stories that highlight the often unspoken fears that can hold families back from making progress and how to approach tough conversations with more clarity and compassion. Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com. Discover more about our guest: Cheryl Mitchell 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 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:07:05 - Discussion of generational differences 00:09:04 - Identity challenges for older farmers and how younger generations view work differently 00:14:06 - Strategies for younger farmers to approach and communicate with older generations 00:19:43 - Importance of focusing on legacy and emotional connection 00:20:56 - Definition of legacy as an "invisible thread" connecting past, present, and future 00:27:00 - Changing decision-making approaches in agriculture 00:30:28 - Best places and methods for having meaningful conversations 00:33:13 - Communication techniques like one-word check-ins 00:35:22 - Importance of involving younger generations in professional meetings early on 00:38:29 - Addressing concerns of family members, especially women, in farm succession planning
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45: The Power of Stories in Farm Transition
In this episode, I sit down with Lydia Carpenter, a farmer, facilitator, and thoughtful voice in rural community development, for a special role-reversing conversation where I’m the one answering the questions. We talk about the power of storytelling in farm succession and how the narratives we inherit, avoid, or rewrite shape the future of our farms and families. Lydia and I explore the emotional side of transition planning, the importance of listening with intention, and how language, values, and identity all influence what legacy really means. Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com. Discover more about our guest: Lydia Carpenter 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 0:01:30 - Introduction and discussion about the power of stories 0:01:40 - Exploring the power of letters 0:03:46 - Elaine's advice for young farmers 0:07:29 - Elaine's early experiences as a young farmer 0:15:15 - Changes in farming and family dynamics 0:23:15 - Importance of communication and being present 0:26:27 - What excites Elaine about working with farm families 0:31:06 - Reflections on contentment and life's journey
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44: Navigating Narcissism on the Farm
In this episode, my guest is Lauren Van Ewyk, co-founder of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance, agricultural mental health advocate, social worker, foster parent, sheep farmer, and PhD student on a mission to give farmers better access to ag-informed therapists. We explore what narcissism has to do with farm family dynamics and why not understanding the truth—that we are fiercely loved and incredibly precious—ultimately blocks us from healthy relationship dynamics and personal growth. This episode is full of practical strategies, insight, and resources to help you navigate the complexities of your life as a farmer. Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com. Discover more about our guest: Lauren Van Ewyk 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 0:00:30 The story of Elaine’s stuffed sheep 0:02:25 Introduction to Lauren Van Ewyk 0:03:10 What is a narcissist when it comes to farm family dynamics 0:05:48 Helpful language for dealing with feeling attacked 0:07:52 You play an invaluable role in our world and community 0:09:46 Curiosity is a really valuable tool 0:11:24 It’s all about identity 0:14:25 What does ‘dropping a stone’ mean 0:15:44 The impact of generational trauma 0:17:02 Unhelpful guilt and people pleasing 0:19:58 The dark side of resilience and workaholism 0:22:18 How to begin navigating towards a healthy dynamic on the farm
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.
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