Farm Family Harmony Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Merle Massie, executive director of the Do More Ag Foundation, for an honest and timely conversation about mental health in agriculture and the power of community to make a difference.
Merle shares why creating a culture of well-being in farming communities matters so deeply, and how regular people in regular rural places can help support one another through stress, struggle, and mental illness. From naming what's heavy in the spring season to recognizing the warning signs of overwhelm, this discussion highlights practical ways to care for both yourself and the people around you.
Together, we talk about why listening matters, how stigma still affects help-seeking in agriculture, and why small actions — like checking in, creating space, and asking better questions — can have a life-changing impact.
"The most important thing that you already have is your ability to listen — to create space for someone and be with them." — Dr. Merle Massie
In this episode, we discuss:
The importance of cultivating a culture of well-being rooted in community and shared values.
How rural culture influences mental health and the need for ag-specific mental health resources.
Recognizing and addressing signs of overwhelm, exhaustion, and mental health struggles in farmers.
Key tools like self-check-in questionnaires and conversation starters (Talk, Ask, Listen) to promote open dialogue.
The impact of farm transition challenges and intergenerational communication on mental wellness.
Practical self-care activities and creating quiet, reflective spaces (e.g., labyrinths, journaling).
The critical connection between physical health, substance use, and mental health, including the risks of self-medicating.
How rural communities can step up for mental health, including retreats and men's sheds initiatives.
Prioritizing one's own well-being with the power of saying "not right now" and managing energy levels.
The significance of storytelling, journaling, and preserving farm history for mental resilience.
Remember, fostering open conversations, prioritizing personal well-being, and building community are key to resilient farm families. Small daily acts—listening, sharing stories, and taking care of yourself—can make a significant difference.
Resources Mentioned During This Episode
Do More Ag Foundation
"Hey, Are We Okay?" Podcast
Crisis Contacts & Resources
Kylie Stokes' Farm-specific Journals
Navigate Journal by Alison Weaver
Dr. Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication Book
Lauren Van Ewyk- National Farmers Mental Health Alliance
Newfoundland Farm Mental Health Program
About Our Guest

Merle Massie is a farmer, award-winning author, TEDx storyteller, and the Executive Director of The Do More Agriculture Foundation, which champions and cultivates a culture of mental wellbeing across Canadian agriculture. 
Email Dr. Merle Massie
Follow Merle on LinkedIn
Follow Merle on Twitter
Elaine Froese Resources:
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Visit the podcast website
SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
COACHING - explore Farm Transition Coaching
MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member
FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition
CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here
Farm Family Coach Social Media Links
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
X
YouTube
TikTok
Timestamps
00:30 - Welcome and introduction to the episode 
02:45 - The mission of Do More Ag and the importance of culture 
05:40 - Addressing mental health stigma and community support initiatives 
10:52 - Recognizing stress signals in farming seasons and farm safety concerns 
13:46 - Navigating farm transition challenges and intergenerational communication 
16:46 - The role of sleep, nutrition, and self-care in farmer well-being 
19:15 - Tools for mental health check-ins: self-assessment and conversation starters 
21:48 - The link between alcohol, self-medication, and mental health risks 
22:46 - Building resilience through storytelling, journaling, and social connection 
25:50 - Opportunities for fun and community bonding on farms 
27:36 - Practical tips for mental wellness: quiet spaces, creative outlets, and boundaries 
33:31 - Encouragement for young farmers and the power of saying "not right now" 
37:57 - The importance of self-care as a foundation for effective leadership and farm success 
41:04 - Honoring farm stories and the long-term benefits of journaling 
43:19 - Reflecting on community impact, recognition, and collective resilience 
44:28 - Key takeaway: Every individual's ability to make a difference starts with listening 
45:37 - Closing remarks: how to share this message and foster caring farm communities

In this episode, I sit down with Colleen Stegenga, an ag-informed therapist from South Dakota, for an honest conversation about the emotional side of farm succession.
Colleen shares how her work with farm families has shown her that transition planning often stalls not because people don't care, but because grief, fear, guilt, and old family patterns are getting in the way. From identity loss in older generations to communication struggles between siblings, this discussion highlights why emotional healing is often a necessary first step.
Together, we talk about how therapy can support the succession process, why families need a safe space to say what hasn't been spoken, and how healthier communication can make the road forward feel more possible.
"It's never too late to get things on the right track, and it's never too early to start thinking about what that legacy means to you." — Colleen Stegenga
In this episode, they discuss:
The emotional challenges faced by farm families during succession.
How grief, fear, and guilt impact decision-making.
The importance of early conversations about legacy, identity, and expectations.
Strategies for reducing stigma around mental health in rural communities.
The role of family dinners and regular check-ins in strengthening relationships.
Navigating sibling dynamics and fairness in inheritance.
The benefits and accessibility of telehealth for farm families.
Practical communication tips for difficult conversations.
Creating safe spaces for emotional expression and conflict resolution.
The significance of personal and cultural identity is tied to farming.
Resources Mentioned During This Episode
Embracing Change, CS
Farm Family Coach Website
Dr. Merle Massie - Do More Ag Foundation
Josh Coleman's book Rules of Estrangement
Lance Woodbury's Articles on Family Estrangement
About Our Guest

As a licensed social worker, Colleen Stegenga combines her knowledge of agricultural life, her lived experiences, and her occupation as a therapist to serve farmers, their families, and rural areas by advocating for the importance of mental health awareness and support in these communities. Having grown up on a dairy farm in small-town South Dakota, Colleen is familiar with the challenges and triumphs that accompany the farming profession. As a therapist, she helps equip clients with the tools to manage and overcome the symptoms of anxiety, depression, dysfunctional families, negative self-esteem, and more. By founding Embracing Change Counseling LLC, Colleen has strived to create a welcoming, compassionate space where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Connect with Colleen:
Email Colleen
Follow Colleen on LinkedIn
Follow Colleen on Link Tree
Elaine Froese Resources:
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Visit the podcast website
SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
COACHING - explore Farm Transition Coaching
MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member
FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition
CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here
Farm Family Coach Social Media Links
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
X
YouTube
TikTok
Timestamps
00:30 - Introduction to farm family transitions and emotional support
03:15 - Colleen's journey to becoming an ag-informed therapist
05:45 - The emotional impact of farm succession: grief, fear, guilt
08:35 - How farm identity influences transition challenges
11:30 - Addressing fears of failure and change among aging farmers
14:35 - Sibling relationships and fairness in farm inheritance
17:40 - Preparing families for tough conversations about legacy
19:55 - The importance of mental health awareness and de-stigmatization
22:20 - How telehealth helps farm families access therapy
26:30 - Ways to foster connection and celebrate family bonds
30:40 - Effective communication strategies and conflict management
33:30 - Building a supportive, respectful family environment
36:30 - Recognizing and addressing estrangement in farm families
39:30 - The power of early planning, hope, and ongoing support

In this episode, Elaine sits down with Jenny Weg, a young farm mom from Iowa, for an honest conversation about money, family, and preparing the next generation well.
Jenny shares how she and her husband are thinking intentionally about finances while raising three young daughters on the farm. From paying kids for the work they contribute, to saving early and planning for future opportunities, this discussion highlights practical ways farm families can build financial strength over time.
Together, Elaine and Jenny talk about why money conversations matter, how expectations around the farm can create tension if they're never discussed, and why thoughtful planning today can make life easier for the next generation tomorrow.
"We really tried to tackle all of our personal debt to get all of that out of the way. And now that farming has come into our lives, we realize there's going to be debt that we have to carry with that. But just doing it in a very smart and strategic way so that we don't overextend ourselves and so that we can be there to prepare not only ourselves, but the next generation, and set them up properly for when it's time for them to take over." 
- Jenny Weg
In this episode, they discuss:
Why teaching kids about money early can build responsibility and confidence.
Paying farm kids for their work and saving for their future.
Long-term thinking when it comes to farm succession and family wealth.
When it's wise to bring in a financial planner.
Setting timelines and goals for transition conversations.
Balancing motherhood, farm work, and family priorities.
Navigating expectations and avoiding entitlement conflicts in farm families.
Simple ways to manage household finances and stay focused on long-term goals.
This episode is especially helpful for young farm families who want to be proactive about money, communication, and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Resources Mentioned During This Episode
The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton
Jenny Weg on Instagram - Faithful Farming Family
Jenny Weg on Facebook
Farm Credit Services
Iowa State University Beginning Farmers Conference
About Our Guest

Jenny Weg is a fourth-generation farmer and farm finance mom behind The Faithful Farming Family. She helps families build generational wealth by teaching them how to legally and strategically pay their kids through the family business. Through faith, farming, and practical financial strategy, she's on a mission to help parents secure their future — and their kids'.
Connect with Jenny:
Contact Jenny
Follow Jenny on Instagram
Follow Jenny on Facebook
Elaine Froese Resources:
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Visit the podcast website
SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
COACHING - explore Farm Transition Coaching
MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member
FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition
CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here
Farm Family Coach Social Media Links
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
X
YouTube
TikTok
Timestamps
00:30 - Welcome and episode overview: addressing entitlement and financial planning in farm families
02:52 - Jenny's background and how faith influences her farm and family approach
03:57 - The importance of conservative financial practices in farm succession planning
04:45 - The benefits of paying children for farm help and building generational wealth
06:15 - Using tax-advantaged accounts like Roth IRAs for farm kids
07:08 - The significance of starting financial education early for the next generation
08:35 - Addressing entitlement and fairness issues within farm families
09:51 - Conversations with aging parents about farm transition and legacy planning
12:27 - The importance of planning ahead and consulting a financial advisor early
13:11 - The complexity of family relationships and managing expectations across relatives
14:38 - Legitimacy of paying children legally and ethically for farm work
16:21 - Practical household management: budgeting and living conservatively
17:23 - Building readiness for opportunities like share purchases or farm buyouts
18:38 - The importance of clear communication and family involvement in decisions
21:15 - Using simple, strategic investments to grow farm family wealth over time
24:08 - Balancing family roles and farm responsibilities—staying resilient and present
27:15 - Common challenges farm women face: feelings of undervaluation and the importance of communication
29:06 - The role of family relationships over business conflicts and setting shared priorities
29:47 - Next steps: planning, patience, and building cash reserves for future opportunities
30:50 - How to connect with Jenny on social media for more farm family finance tips

In this episode, Elaine sits down with Dr. Kate Burke for a thoughtful and deeply practical conversation about what it really takes to plan well for the future of your farm.
Because succession isn't just about land, shares, or strategy, it's about people.
Together, they explore why strong farm transitions begin with understanding your family first. What does each person want? What are they afraid of? What expectations are sitting quietly under the surface?
Dr. Burke brings insight from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help families communicate with more clarity and emotional steadiness, especially when conversations feel hard.
You'll hear about:
Why succession planning must start with family, not just farm assets
The emotional identity shift from leader to mentor to elder
How our thinking patterns influence decisions more than we realize
Questions that uncover purpose, expectations, and long-term vision
Why trust and ownership are built through small, clear actions
Planning for long-term care and end-of-life decisions with courage
Simple frameworks like CARE that bring structure without overcomplicating things
"As humans, we're emotional. It's a signal. It's data. We've been led down a path since industrialization that to be good at business, emotions didn't matter. But really good businesses are emotionally intelligent. They may not know it, but they're actually good at dealing with people, good at understanding and managing themselves." - Kate Burke, Think Agri
This conversation is a reminder that you don't need a complicated strategy to future-proof your farm. You need clarity, emotional honesty, and the willingness to ask the right questions.
If you care about your family and your legacy, this episode will give you practical tools and a deeper understanding of what truly holds a farm together.
Resources Mentioned During This Episode
Succession Future Proofing Your Farm (Available on Kate's website)
Crops, People, Money and You – The Art of Excellent Farming (Search: "Crops People Money and You" Kate Burke)
Think Agri YouTube Channel
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
About Our Guest

Dr Kate Burke is an Australian Agri Strategist, author and speaker. Drawing on three decades in agronomy, consulting, and family business facilitation, Kate blends practical business thinking with an understanding of the people behind it. She guides families past the numbers and documents to tackle what really shapes farm strategy and succession: questions of identity, fairness, readiness, communication, and intergenerational trust.
Contact Kate
Visit the Think Agri Website
Follow Kate on LinkedIn
Follow Think Agri on X
Follow Kate and Think Agri on Facebook
Elaine Froese Resources:
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Visit the podcast website
SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
COACHING - explore Farm Transition Coaching
MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member
FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition
CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here
Farm Family Coach Social Media Links
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
X
YouTube
TikTok
Timestamps
00:30 - Welcome and episode overview: why family and emotional clarity matter
02:36 - Start with family, not farm: the importance of family-focused planning
06:44 - Introduction to ACT therapy in farm succession: acceptance and values-based actions
09:16 - Valuing emotional wealth: key questions to start meaningful conversations
13:56 - Understanding the mentor-to-elder transition: identity and self-worth issues
17:04 - Building trust and emotional steadiness in future farm leaders
18:23 - Shift from fixing problems to guiding towards desired futures: towards and away moves
19:45 - Overcoming resistance: moving from defense to offense in farm planning
20:37 - The role of financial clarity and emotional expectations in weaving a successful succession
25:31 - How to discover good perspectives: asking "What do you want and why?"
27:02 - Attachment to land and legacy: crucial but often overlooked considerations
29:33 - Function and family harmony: aligning team and family objectives
32:10 - The performance framework: managing farm viability and productivity
35:14 - Strategy essentials: simple actions over complex plans
37:01 - Ownership and its emotional significance in farm legacy
40:17 - Planning for retirement, aging, and legacy: tough questions and long-term care
46:16 - Summing up: combining profitability with family care for a balanced farm future

In this episode, I sit down with dairy farmer Denise Angst for an honest and encouraging conversation about navigating farm transition in real time — while life, loss, and change are all happening at once.
Together, we explore how clarity, communication, and respect across generations can turn uncertainty into opportunity.
We talk about why starting with simple family meetings matters, how fairness looks different than equality, and what it takes for parents to let go while still providing stability and support. 
Denise also reflects on her own personal growth journey, the courage it takes to ask hard questions early, and why investing in yourself as a farm woman strengthens the entire family business.
If you're wondering how to begin succession conversations, how to support multiple children with different paths, or how to move forward without having everything perfectly figured out, this episode offers a hopeful, practical look at what's possible — one conversation at a time.
"Different is not wrong. It's just different. The younger generation needs to respect the older generation, and we need to respect the younger generation. Let them talk about their ideas."  – Denise Angst
Resources Mentioned During This Episode
Wellington County Transition Planning Resources: https://www.wellington.ca/business-development/environment-agriculture/transition-planning
Empowe-HER-ed Book Order Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXeW38zQC6WXvtoTglv009a9_pTS8vrtgGcxtEQGdooLKz5g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102144042538019289024
Retreat Registration:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMY86Wg0SDWMRuJp1BWLxtk-nsvIs-iPuEhUO4XMHpIAeToQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102144042538019289024
Linktree for all Connections: https://linktr.ee/denisemyjourney 
About Our Guest
Denise Angst is a dairy farm partner who built a dairy farm business with her husband after immigrating from Switzerland in 1997. She is a proud mother of three grown children — two sons and a daughter — and values the journey of raising her family while remaining deeply rooted in the community. Along the way, Denise drove a school bus for 15 years and volunteered in various roles, always giving back where she could. 
Over the past nine years, her commitment to personal growth has led her to become a first-time author, contributing a published chapter about how she found the strength to put herself first, and she is now preparing to host her third women's retreat. 
Recently, Denise transitioned into an office administration role, drawing on decades of farm office experience. By stepping off the farm's daily operations, she is intentionally creating space for the next generation to take on leadership and office responsibilities, while continuing to guide and support the farm's succession with confidence and strength.

Contact Denise
Follow Denise on Facebook
Follow Denise on Instagram
Elaine Froese Resources:
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Visit the podcast website
SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
COACHING - explore Farm Transition Coaching
MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member
FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition
CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here
Farm Family Coach Social Media Links
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
X
YouTube
TikTok
Timestamps
0:00:30 - Intro & how Denise met Elaine/background
0:03:05 - Big family & housing changes (boys move out, parents move to town, daughter in basement) 
0:05:38 - Training Lucas as successor, giving him management responsibility 
0:05:44 - Paying kids for farm work, ideas of fairness vs equal 
0:11:11 - New Zealand idea, Peter's surgery, Denise's mom passing, Denise's personal growth 
0:14:07 - Starting family meetings, updating the will, using Elaine's workshop tools 
0:19:16 - Patrick's role, land purchase, non‑dairy path & custom farming options 
0:20:37 - Sweat equity, Lucas tracking all hours, housing/heat as part of compensation 
0:22:20 - Accountant meeting, will changes, protecting Lucas if parents die suddenly 
0:22:57 - Parents' income/retirement planning, Denise's off‑farm job, risk & cash flow 
0:26:44 - Next‑step planning: documenting needs for Lucas and for Peter & Denise 
0:29:08 - Cohabitation agreement for Lucas's girlfriend as a risk‑management tool 
0:32:09 - Why other families avoid succession talks (fear, hard conversations)
0:34:13 - Peter's backstory, losing his dad at 17, being ready to hand over management 
0:35:44 - Mutual respect between generations; recognizing different strengths 
0:38:24 - Questions from "Your Farm, Your Future" (excitement, emotions, success, timing) 
0:39:59 - What "good management" means when roles are split (barn vs office) 
0:41:03 - Shifting responsibilities, moving bookkeeping to AgExpert Online 
0:42:33 - Knowing what they own, investments, and the "gift" they want to give their kids 
0:44:27 - Cleaning out the farmhouse, kids choosing sentimental items 
0:46:55 - Message to farm women: self‑care, personal growth, and resilience
0:48:23 - Closing: this is a "happy" succession story that's still unfolding