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:
Elaine Froese Resources:
- 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
Farm Family Coach Social Media Links
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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
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