Clear Concise Communication

Clear Concise Communication

“Elaine, I am feeling paralyzed and overwhelmed with this farm transfer thing.” “How do I talk to the kids without emotions running wild?” “We do fine until we try to get a sit-down family meeting with an agenda, then no one is really honest with what is going on...
Stop breaking Momma’s heart…deal with your entitlement issues

Stop breaking Momma’s heart…deal with your entitlement issues

As Mother’s Day arrives in this Great Pause of 2021, many of you are caught in the messy middle of family dynamics. Let’s jump in and start dealing with the issue of entitlement on your farm team.  I use the word “deal with entitlement”. It’s that Undiscussabull, the...
What is your model of forgiveness?

What is your model of forgiveness?

s We are a family of faith who farms. We also count our blessings when things are going smoothly and we are getting along. Some days, there is conflict, but it is all resolvable. We choose to talk, express our perspectives, and create solutions without attacking the...
Who gets to do what on this farm? A family roles guide.

Who gets to do what on this farm? A family roles guide.

Hope you are enjoying the longer days and warm sunshine on your farm. I also hope that panic is not rising as you anticipate getting ready for spring…whatever that means! I know a farmer that has April 20 as his magic target day for having all the equipment...
Creating a sense of urgency is a good thing

Creating a sense of urgency is a good thing

“Elaine, we started talking about this in 2014, and man, that was seven years ago,” quips the overwhelmed founder of a 5th generation farm. We need to get this done before seeding.” Where is it written that you cannot have conversations from the tractor while you are...