Farm Family Harmony Podcast

In this episode, my guest is Isobel Knight, an Australian succession planning specialist and owner and director of ProAgtive - Australia's leading farm family transition planning business. Isobel specializes in ensuring that the next generation has an opportunity to participate in agriculture and believes that valuing family above all else is the key to future success. We will explain what it mean...

In this episode, my guest is Andrew Leikvoll, a leadership coach based in west central Minnesota. Andrew is part of the team at Triune Leadership Serves, a coaching and consulting organization based entirely around servant leadership. We discuss what is at the heart of servant leadership and why the culture of leading with love accounts for the tendency of servant-led organizations to outperform a...

In this episode, my guest is Matt Boos, founder of Agrigrowth Consulting, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We discuss the power of peer groups and why surrounding yourself with people with positive mindsets, who genuinely want to cheer you on, is a game-changer when it comes to personal growth. We explore the benefits of joining a peer group with folks of different perspectives and varying leve...

In this episode, my guest is Ben Law, former financial advisor turned podcaster and strategic coach for agribusinesses and the rural community - helping them grow, protect, and transition family wealth by addressing the problems and pitfalls of succession. We discuss the importance of preparing the next generation to be good custodians of wealth by cultivating early succession planning. We also ex...

In this episode, my guest is Robin Tunnicliffe - vegetable farmer and co-owner of Sea Bluff Farm in Saanich, Vancouver Island. Robin was one of the attendees at a workshop I held in Saanich over a decade ago, and today, we discuss her journey from not knowing where to start to now owning equity as a non-family farm member. We discuss Robin's transition from farm apprentice to farm owner and the ch...

In this episode, I sit down for the first time on this podcast with our newest coaching teammate, Alyssa Brown . Alyssa is a fifth-generation farmer, mom, and farm partner who is passionate about working with farmers to stay financially organized on the farm. We have an in-depth discussion about the consequences of delayed decision-making and how changing that habit can help determine the long-ter...

In this episode, I sit down with Farm Family Coach Kalynn Spain - a certified Leadership Coach with a degree in Conflict Resolution Studies and over five years of training and volunteer experience as a mediator. In this discussion Kalynn shares recent insights from her experience with moving in with the in-laws and beginning the challenging, but hopeful journey of farm succession planning. We also...

In this episode, my guest is Patti Durand - author, speaker, facilitator, and mediator ​​specializing in succession planning for family businesses. Patti has just released her first book, The Future Leader - which is effectively a workbook families can read together and use as an instruction guide to work through the tough stuff. We discuss how much of the strife families experience is simply beca...

In this solo episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, we'll bring in the New Year with the topic of living with intention. Throughout the episode, I'll ask you to ponder many areas in your life, including all the different roles you play in your busy life as a farmer, friend, and family member. I talk about the fact that we have many choices when it comes to living an intentional life. I challe...

In this episode, my guest is Farm Family Coach Lyle Wiens - a professional Agrologist and Grain Marketing Advisor, with training in conflict management, mediation, and group facilitation. We discuss Lyle's knowledge on an approach to leadership called the "Art of Hosting", including the four Principles of Dialogue in which the goal is a meaningful and impactful dialogue that is respectful, creativ...

In this episode, I sit down with multi-lingual (English/Spanish) coaching teammate and life-long learner Lydia Carpenter . Lydia is a first-generation farmer with a fascinating background in climate science and meteorology and a passion for people in agriculture. Together we explore the difference between "complicated" and "complex" systems, particularly as they apply to farm transition and family...

In this episode, my guest is Glenn Dogterom , Farm Family Transition Coach, retired CPA, financial planner, and acting member of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors. Over the years, Glenn has provided various services to his clients including tax planning and preparation, financial statements, cash flows, and transition planning. Glenn proposes there's a better, more thoughtful approach to t...

In this episode, my guest is a teammate, conflict transformation facilitator, organization transition coach, and dairy farm partner from Chihuahua, Mexico, Crisol Gonzalez . Tune in to hear our discussion on how being aware of and taking personal responsibility for the role you play in conflict is crucial for success. We explore what the Karpman Drama Triangle has to do with dysfunctional dynamics...

In this episode, Elaine introduces good friend, spunky seniorpreneur, speaker, author of the award-winning book Return To Center , and clinical therapist Patricia Morgan . You'll hear some awesome insights on how using ordinary language is one of the most powerful tools in her toolbox as a therapist, and yours as a farmer. Elaine and her guest examine how Patricia's discovery of Polyvagal Theory i...

In this episode, Elaine welcomes friend, farm partner, and University of Nebraska agricultural economist, Jessica Groskopf . Elaine and her guest discuss one of the most challenging topics for many farm families - financial transparency in farm transition. From addressing your biggest financial fears (whether you're the owner or the heir) to the importance of having honest conversations around exp...

In this episode, Elaine connects with podcaster, agriculture entrepreneur, mom of two, and farm wife, Emily Reuschel . You'll hear about Emily's journey from fourth-grade teacher, to non-profit leader, and how she eventually ended up as a leader for rural women in the world of entrepreneurship, podcasting, and coaching. Emily talks about her own personal development, the habits that have supported...

In this episode, Elaine converses with good friend and well-renowned farm consultant, Dick Wittman from Lewiston-Clarkston, Idaho. Elaine and her guest dig deep to uncover some of the biggest issues holding farm families back from reaching success in their farm transition. Dick Wittman offers guiding wisdom from his many years of experience in the ag industry. He explains some of the key issues th...

Welcome to Season 3 of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast with Elaine Froese and guests! In this season's opening episode, Elaine connects with midwestern farm wife and mom from Northern Illinois, Mary Pat Sass . Prepare yourself for some awesome ag insight! Mary shares how she balances her many roles on the farm with motherhood and marriage, getting clear on what she wanted her life to look like, an...

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, we're joined by our favorite retired, but not really retired accountant, Glenn Dogterom, who brings decades of experience working with farm families to our coaching team. Together we dive deep into the art of mentorship for farm transitions. Glen shares insights from his years of working with farm families in southern Alberta, emphasizing the cru...

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, I meet with Arlen Motz of Agribusiness Mindset. We discuss the importance of self-belief and curiosity, highlighting how these elements are crucial for empowering oneself and others. We explore their application in farm transitions, farm planning, leadership, and grain marketing, with Arlen sharing insights from his coaching and leadership traini...

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine meets with guest Lewellyn Melnyk who shares her personal journey of overcoming mental health struggles while growing up on a farm in Manitoba. Her book, "Rooted: How I Stay Small Town Strong When Life Gets Hard, and How You Can Too," serves as a guide for rural women in agriculture, offering insights and coping mechanisms for navigating li...

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine Froese and Lydia Carpenter, part of Elaine's coaching team, explore the crucial elements of emotional strength in farm leadership. With a focus on empowering both seasoned founders and the next generation of farmers, Elaine and Lydia share practical strategies for fostering resilience, navigating tough conversations, and building trust wit...

In this thought-provoking episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, What Does Money Mean to You? Elaine and financial psychologist Dr. Moira Somers dive into the complexities of wealth and legacy within affluent families. They explore the intricate web of personal narratives surrounding money, emphasizing its profound impact on family dynamics and future planning. Throughout their discussion, th...

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine is joined by friend Lauren Lundt. Lauren shares her journey from Central Florida to Iowa, marrying into a multi-generational farming family. Facing unexpected challenges like the passing of her father-in-law, Lauren offers insights into building relationships with in-laws and finding her place in the farming community. Together, Lauren and...

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony podcast, Elaine is joined by her special guest and fellow coach, Crisol Gonzalez, calling in from her dairy farm in Mexico. As a bilingual coach working with Spanish-speaking families across North America, Crisol brings a unique perspective to the table. With her background in law, education, and family facilitation, Crisol is well-equipped to tackle the...