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	Country GuideColumns, Agriculture News &amp; Resources - Country Guide	</title>
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		<title>What producers need to know about Health Canada&#8217;s latest food additive, enzyme and supplement updates</title>

		<link>
		https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/what-producers-need-to-know-about-health-canadas-latest-food-additive-enzyme-and-supplement-updates/		 </link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:14:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<dc:creator><![CDATA[Geena Holding, Tristan Culham]]></dc:creator>
						<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food processing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Canada]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.country-guide.ca/?p=147231</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[<p><span class="rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time">3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> Changes to Health Canada&#8217;s food additive, enzyme and supplement regulations influence how raw and processed agricultural products can be marketed, labelled and formulated across the value chain. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/what-producers-need-to-know-about-health-canadas-latest-food-additive-enzyme-and-supplement-updates/">What producers need to know about Health Canada&#8217;s latest food additive, enzyme and supplement updates</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have ushered in a new wave of updates to Canada’s food and supplement regulations, many of which took effect in late 2025 and early 2026. </p>



<p>The recent updates reflect Canada’s ongoing effort to modernize food regulation, streamline compliance, and keep pace with new ingredients and processing technologies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New rules for food additives, enzymes and supplements</strong></h2>



<p>As of December 2024, Health Canada consolidated the Lists of Permitted Food Additives into a single, more flexible food category system, making it easier to add or modify allowable ingredients. </p>



<p><strong>Recent developments include:</strong></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>approval of new enzymes in bread and flour products (December 2025)</li>



<li>authorization of silicon dioxide in modified sugar (February 2026).</li>
</ul>



<p>Health Canada is also reviewing the Supplementary Ingredient List to potentially allow up to 30 per cent juice content in certain caffeinated beverages.</p>



<p>As reflected by these developments, <strong>Health Canada’s modernization project simplifies the process for introducing innovations into Canadian food systems.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Modern labelling and compositional standards</strong></h2>



<p>As of January 2026, prepackaged foods sold in Canada that are high in sodium, sugars or saturated fat must display the new front-of-package (FOP) nutritional symbol, a black-and-white magnifying glass icon that emphasizes key nutrient content. The FOP symbol is required on products that exceed critical thresholds (e.g., ≥15% daily value of sodium, saturated fat or sugar per serving). However, some foods remain conditionally exempt, including:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>plain milk and yogurt</li>



<li>fresh fruits and vegetables</li>



<li>raw, single-ingredient meats and poultry</li>



<li>traditional cheeses and kefir (for certain nutrient categories).</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>The change is intended to improve public health outcomes </strong>by helping Canadian consumers make informed food choices. As a result, consumers may begin avoiding food products flagged with the FOP symbol, which could influence both ingredient sourcing and production techniques. Farmers producing raw or minimally processed foods may gain a marketing advantage.</p>



<p>The CFIA has also s<strong>uggested updates to common names for dairy and modified dairy ingredients:</strong></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The term “modified milk ingredients” is replaced with “milk-derived ingredients.”</li>



<li>The French equivalents “substances laitières” and “substances laitières modifiées” become “ingrédients du lait” and “ingrédients dérivés du lait.”</li>



<li>Eligibility rules for which ingredients can use the term “milk ingredients” and “milk-derived ingredients” have been revised. More information can be found on the CFIA website.</li>
</ul>



<p>Industry will have until January 2030 to update labels to reflect the changes to dairy ingredient terms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Why it matters: turning compliance into opportunity</strong></h2>



<p>These updates reflect a broader government shift toward a more flexible regulatory system that responds faster to market innovations. Canadian farmers supplying grain, fruit, dairy or plant ingredients stand to benefit as processors adapt formulations to meet new rules. Consider how you can strategically respond to these changes today:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Manufacturers now need precise ingredient identity, so farmers should maintain clear records of production inputs.</li>



<li>Farmers who produce low-sugar fruit varieties and high-fibre grains should stay up to date on consumer demand for these ingredients in response to FOP labelling.</li>



<li>Dairy producers should review applicable labelling and ingredient name changes.</li>



<li>Farmers selling direct to consumers should stay up to date on labelling requirements and exemptions. Whole products that do not require FOP labelling may become more appealing to consumers.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>Ask a lawyer: If you have a topic or question you would like us to address in future issues, please email gholding@mltaikins.com.</strong></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><em>Note: This article is of a general nature only and is not exhaustive of all possible legal rights or remedies. In addition, laws may change over time and should be interpreted only in the context of particular circumstances such that these materials are not intended to be relied upon or taken as legal advice or opinion. Readers should consult a legal professional for specific advice in any particular situation.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/what-producers-need-to-know-about-health-canadas-latest-food-additive-enzyme-and-supplement-updates/">What producers need to know about Health Canada&#8217;s latest food additive, enzyme and supplement updates</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
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		<title>Farm &#038; Family &#8211; April 10 edition</title>

		<link>
		https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-april-10-edition/		 </link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:50:12 +0000</pubDate>
						<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farm-family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farm-life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farmliving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farm economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Risk management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.country-guide.ca/?p=147155</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[<p><span class="rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time">2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> This week’s newsletter feels very on point with recent news cycles: the constant spectre of uncertainty and volatility. BUT you’ll also learn in these articles that there are silver linings; opportunities if you know where to look. And that’s the type of content Country Guide / Farm &#38; Family aims to bring you each week. [&#8230;] <a class="read-more" href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-april-10-edition/">Read more</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-april-10-edition/">Farm &amp; Family &#8211; April 10 edition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>This week’s newsletter feels very on point with recent news cycles: the constant spectre of uncertainty and volatility. BUT you’ll also learn in these articles that there are silver linings; opportunities if you know where to look.</p>



<p id="ember450">And that’s the type of content Country Guide / Farm &amp; Family aims to bring you each week.</p>



<p id="ember451">For example, in <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanine-moyer-8517248/">Jeanine Moyer</a>’s article <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/the-changing-landscape-of-canadian-food-demand/">The changing landscape of Canadian food demand</a>, consumers’ eating habits are shifting, which is creating both risks and new opportunities for farmers and processors.</p>



<p id="ember453">Jeanine also wrote <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/ontario-flower-farm-keeps-growing-even-among-uncertainty/">this inspiring profile</a> story about Janis Harris and her Ontario flower farm. After more than a decade of slowly building a flower-growing side business, Harris left her job as an optician to run the farm full time. Weeks later, the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down. Read the article to find out how she managed to meet this incredible challenge.</p>



<p id="ember454">Herman VanGenderen’s <a href="https://www.producer.com/farm-family/management/halos-demostrate-importance-of-diversifying-your-portfolio/">Investing for Fun &amp; Profit column</a> explains how the incredibly quick rotation from technology to HALOs (which stands for High Assets, Low Obsolescence) demonstrates the importance of diversifying your investment portfolio. He writes, “As money comes out of tech, it’s going into long-forgotten sectors defined by those that are capital intensive, high assets that artificial intelligence cannot make obsolete. Energy, pipelines, utilities, mining and industrials fit that definition.”</p>



<p id="ember455">And contributor <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kamchen-8989674b/">Richard Kamchen</a> tells us how even though farmers are up against an era of unparalleled volatility, they aren’t entirely powerless to mitigate some of the risks. Learn about the economic and political influences guiding decisions on the farm <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/markets/growing-your-farm-business-in-an-era-of-economic-volatility/">here.</a></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><em>Farm families work together to break new ground and nurture growth. As each member grows, our Farm &amp; Family team wants to know how we can help YOUR farm and family grow further. Share your thoughts with Farm &amp; Family editor </em><a href="mailto:astewart@farmmedia.com"><em>astewart@farmmedia.com</em></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-april-10-edition/">Farm &amp; Family &#8211; April 10 edition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
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		<title>Farm &#038; Family &#8211; April 3 edition</title>

		<link>
		https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-april-3-edition/		 </link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:18:34 +0000</pubDate>
						<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farm-life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[labour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.country-guide.ca/?p=147041</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[<p><span class="rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time">&#60; 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span> We could almost title this week’s newsletter ‘things you don’t like, but that are good for you’. For example, not many people enjoy the annual struggle to find seasonal employees for the upcoming busy spring-summer-fall seasons. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find willing hands to work on Canadian farms. In the article ‘Exploring [&#8230;] <a class="read-more" href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-april-3-edition/">Read more</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-april-3-edition/">Farm &amp; Family &#8211; April 3 edition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p></p>



<p>We could almost title this week’s newsletter ‘things you don’t like, but that are good for you’. </p>



<p>For example, not many people enjoy the annual struggle to find seasonal employees for the upcoming busy spring-summer-fall seasons. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find willing hands to work on Canadian farms. In the article <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/exploring-non-traditional-labour-markets-to-source-farm-employees/">‘Exploring non-traditional labour markets to source farm employees’</a> contributor <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAHQWAkBm3AoQRiaZOPzVt9V3ileMCvKCLM?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAHQWAkBm3AoQRiaZOPzVt9V3ileMCvKCLM">Helen Lammers-Helps</a> explores the factors behind this phenomenon and offers some tips for sourcing labour.</p>



<p>Another icky-but-necessary topic is financial planning of your assets when you die. For instance, special taxation rules apply to RRSPs/RRIFs upon your death. Jessi Brockman, a lawyer with <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevenson-hood-thornton-beaubier-llp/">Stevenson Hood Thornton Beaubier LLP</a>, <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/taxation-of-rrsp-rrif-at-death-rollover-in-favour-of-a-spouse/">explains how you can be proactive</a> about this now.</p>



<p>In ‘<a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/managing-highs-and-lows-how-optional-inventory-adjustments-fit-into-farm-strategy/">Managing highs and lows: How optional inventory adjustments (OIAs) fit into farm strategy’</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAABK55_0BfCCfq_is4nqBeQs5Qc7yPo-18V0?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAABK55_0BfCCfq_is4nqBeQs5Qc7yPo-18V0">Doug Hewko, CPA, CA</a>, a chartered accountant and partner at <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpmg-canada/">KPMG Canada</a>, explains what OIAs are and how they can help you manage when income volatility is a fact of life in Canadian agriculture.</p>



<p>And a word that makes us automatically think “yuck!’ is ‘bitter’. As Cultivating Wellness columnist Kathlyn Hossack explains, bitter flavour profiles might not always taste great but the foods that contain them offer many health benefits. Learn more in ‘<a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/lifestyle/bitter-is-not-always-bad/">Bitter is not always bad</a>.’</p>



<p>Happy Easter and Passover to all who celebrate(d)!</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><em>Farm families work together to break new ground and nurture growth. As each member grows, our Farm &amp; Family team wants to know how we can help YOUR farm and family grow further. Share your thoughts with Farm &amp; Family editor </em><a href="mailto:astewart@farmmedia.com"><em>astewart@farmmedia.com</em></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-april-3-edition/">Farm &amp; Family &#8211; April 3 edition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Bitter is not always bad</title>

		<link>
		https://www.country-guide.ca/lifestyle/bitter-is-not-always-bad/		 </link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:22:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kathlyn Hossack]]></dc:creator>
						<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Farm life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.country-guide.ca/?p=146631</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[<p><span class="rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time">3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> Bitter flavour profiles might not always taste great but the foods that contain them offer many health benefits. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/lifestyle/bitter-is-not-always-bad/">Bitter is not always bad</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><em>The Cultivating Wellness column explores natural health through food and herbal healing. You can expect to find recipes that support full-body health from the inside out.</em></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>Seasons of transition can take their toll on our overall well-being.</p>



<p>Through late winter into early spring, our bodies begin to feel the building energy that comes with increasing daylight, but this is juxtaposed with the fatigue of <a href="https://www.producer.com/farm-family/physical-movement-during-winter-months-key-to-wellness/">winter dragging on</a>. It’s not uncommon to hear in the clinic at this time of year complaints of sluggish digestion, restlessness, dragging cold and flu symptoms and energy issues. Caring for our digestive health is an important aspect of supporting whole health but becomes even more important in this transition season.</p>



<p>The best description I’ve ever read about our digestive system compared digestive function to the function of a compost pile. A healthy compost pile requires just the right balance of moisture and heat to appropriately break down what’s added to it and to produce an effective product. Our digestive system works in much the same way. Digestive fluids, such as bile and stomach acid, function as the necessary “heat”, initiating breakdown and absorption through the gut. The gut lining, made up of mucous membranes and microbiome, houses the moisture that helps move food and waste along the chain for either absorption or elimination. Of course, this is a very simplified and summarized explanation.</p>



<p>When we have too much heat and not enough moisture, or vice versa, we can experience symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, indigestion, slow or no elimination or elimination that occurs too quickly, malabsorption of nutrients, pain and reflux. Different foods can affect all these symptoms differently, however when we really break it down (pun intended), often what’s most helpful isn’t major diet changes so much as it is supporting the foundational needs of gut health and balancing the moisture to heat ratio.</p>



<p>A flavour profile that is traditionally linked to bile production and improving digestive functioning is the bitter flavour. Lucky for us, finding bitter flavours is easy to do in <a href="https://www.producer.com/farm-family/comfort-is-a-bowl-of-soup/">our western diet</a>, though perhaps uncommonly turned to. For those who experience bloating, cramping, constipation and gassiness, adding a bitter flavour in the form of tea or taste can be an effective way to get the best of our inner composting system online and soothe the symptoms associated with imbalances.</p>



<p>Peppermint is one of the most well-researched and proven herbs to combat irritability in the digestive tract. Research has shown peppermint to be an extremely effective remedy for irritable bowel syndrome. Not only does it support a decrease in pain and tension through the digestive tract, beneath its fresh minty flavour there’s a mild bitter which works to stimulate the production of bile, circulation, stomach acid and appropriate breakdown of nutrients.</p>



<p>Citrus peel has a long history of being used as a primary bitter remedy in many cultures. The peel contains a high amount of vitamin C, too, which supports the lining of our gut while providing a pre-biotic boost to the gut biome.</p>



<p>Ginger provides our system with a gentle bitter and warm spice, settling and soothing while supporting nutrient breakdown.</p>



<p>Lemon juice with water bolsters our stomach acid and capacity for breaking down food within the gut.</p>



<p>The recipe offered here is for a simple digestive tea you can try at home. Ideally, this tea can be sipped warm or cool about thirty minutes prior to meals. Alternatively, you can also drink it if you’re experiencing acute digestive discomfort.</p>



<p>If digestive issues are common for you, it’s important to seek medical advice from a qualified health professional. While many digestive concerns can be resolved at home with nutritional and <a href="https://www.producer.com/wp-research/farm-life/use-it-or-lose-it-maintaining-overall-mobility-to-support-daily-farm-life/">lifestyle-based adjustments,</a> symptoms related to digestion can also be a signal of broader health issues. Speak with your trusted health providers if symptoms worsen or persist.</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Digestive health tea</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>1 tbsp. dried peppermint or 2 tbsp. fresh peppermint (Any mint can be used as a substitute.)</li>



<li>1/2tbsp. fresh or dried lemon or orange peel</li>



<li>1/8 tbsp. dried powdered ginger</li>



<li>1/2 to 1 tbsp. lemon juice (optional)</li>



<li>Honey to taste</li>



<li>2 cups hot water</li>
</ul>



<p>Combine all ingredients in a tea strainer or French press and cover with boiling water to steep, covered, for 10-20 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired and store in your refrigerator for up to three days.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/lifestyle/bitter-is-not-always-bad/">Bitter is not always bad</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
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		<title>Farm &#038; Family &#8211; March 27 edition</title>

		<link>
		https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-march-27-edition/		 </link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:08:37 +0000</pubDate>
						<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farm-life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farm families]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farm finances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Farm life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.country-guide.ca/?p=146880</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[<p><span class="rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time">&#60; 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span> Trust, teamwork and resilience: three ingredients every farm family knows they need to run a farm. But wait until you read the whole extra level to which this Ontario farm brought these three critical elements in contributor Jeanine Moyer’s article about the Schneider family. Something else we know we need, but as farmers and/or parents [&#8230;] <a class="read-more" href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-march-27-edition/">Read more</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-march-27-edition/">Farm &amp; Family &#8211; March 27 edition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p></p>



<p>Trust, teamwork and resilience: three ingredients every farm family knows they need to run a farm. But wait until you read the whole extra level to which this Ontario farm brought these three critical elements in contributor <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanine-moyer-8517248/">Jeanine Moyer</a>’s <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/trust-teamwork-and-lessons-in-resilience/">article about the Schneider family.</a></p>



<p id="ember62">Something else we know we need, but as farmers and/or parents we often don’t get enough of — sleep! The <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/farm-life/fit-to-farm-sleep-in-key-to-a-healthy-lifestyle/">Fit to Farm column</a> offers tips and tricks for getting a better night’s sleep.</p>



<p id="ember63">Since we’re on the topic of critical components of farming, what about farm finances? Many of you can find it a real drag, so <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-macfie-cpa-pag-7b5437157/">Craig Macfie CPA, PAg</a> has broken down <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/farm-budgeting-in-seven-steps/">farm budgeting into seven manageable steps.</a></p>



<p id="ember65">And we’ll leave you with some comfort for the body and the soul: a recipe for chicken pot pie. Contributor dee Hobswan-Smith re-introduces us to this North American classic as she explores the work — in food and art — of famed chef Jacques Pépin in the <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/farm-life/recipe-books-worth-the-look-part-1-jacques-ppin/">First, We Eat column.</a></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><em>Farm families work together to break new ground and nurture growth. As each member grows, our Farm &amp; Family team wants to know how we can help YOUR farm and family grow further. Share your thoughts with Farm &amp; Family editor </em><a href="mailto:astewart@farmmedia.com"><em>astewart@farmmedia.com</em></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-march-27-edition/">Farm &amp; Family &#8211; March 27 edition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
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		<title>Farm &#038; Family &#8211; March 20 edition</title>

		<link>
		https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-march-20-edition/		 </link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:52:26 +0000</pubDate>
						<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fit to Farm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Markets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trade barriers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wome in agriculture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.country-guide.ca/?p=146743</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[<p><span class="rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time">&#60; 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span> As part of our International Year of the Woman Farmer content, we recently introduced readers to Renee Ardill, the third generation on her family’s B.C. ranch. If you missed her story, you can catch up here and read about the history behind the farm here. Sara Chambers from Backswath Management recently contributed an article to [&#8230;] <a class="read-more" href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-march-20-edition/">Read more</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-march-20-edition/">Farm &amp; Family &#8211; March 20 edition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>As part of our International Year of the Woman Farmer content, we recently introduced readers to Renee Ardill, the third generation on her family’s B.C. ranch. If you missed her story, you can catch up <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/b-c-century-farm-focuses-on-protection-and-quality-of-their-herd/">here</a> and read about the history behind the farm <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/features/a-farmers-dream/">here</a>.</p>



<p id="ember303"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-chambers-8334a993/">Sara Chambers</a> from <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/backswath/">Backswath Management</a> recently contributed an article to our Farm &amp; Family section titled <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/moving-the-conversation-about-women-in-agriculture-forward/">‘Moving the conversation about women in agriculture forward’</a>. She writes, “What I find disappointing about many conversations around women in agriculture is that they don’t seem to be progressing beyond the idea of ‘equality’.” So, how can we “design workplaces that unlock the full potential of the people in them”? You’ll have to <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/moving-the-conversation-about-women-in-agriculture-forward/">read her article</a> to find out. </p>



<p id="ember305">Our Ask a Lawyer <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/ask-a-lawyer-what-the-canada-china-trade-deal-means-for-farmers/">column</a> explored the Canada-China deal and what it means for Canadian farmers.</p>



<p id="ember306">And the <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/farm-life/use-it-or-lose-it-maintaining-overall-mobility-to-support-daily-farm-life/">Fit to Farm column</a> tells us: use or lose it when it comes to our mobility. As farmers, we might think we’re mobile enough on a daily basis, but as contributor Kathlyn Hossack points out, we can be a little too sedentary in the cold winter months and that will work to our disadvantage come busy springtime.</p>



<p id="ember307">P.S.: If you’d like to read more about #womeninag, our October 2025 issue introduced readers to Elisabeth Burrows, a nut farmer and roaster in Fergus, Ont. <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/features/ontario-nut-farmer-builds-her-business-on-hidden-talent/">Read her story</a> to find out how her farm, and tongue-in-cheek business called Jewels Under the Kilt, are doing things differently.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><em>Farm families work together to break new ground and nurture growth. As each member grows, our Farm &amp; Family team wants to know how we can help YOUR farm and family grow further. Share your thoughts with Farm &amp; Family editor </em><a href="mailto:astewart@farmmedia.com"><em>astewart@farmmedia.com</em></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/columns/farm-family-march-20-edition/">Farm &amp; Family &#8211; March 20 edition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Ask a Lawyer: What the Canada-China trade deal means for farmers</title>

		<link>
		https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/ask-a-lawyer-what-the-canada-china-trade-deal-means-for-farmers/		 </link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 01:04:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<dc:creator><![CDATA[Geen Holding MLT Aikins LLP, Scott Masson Partner]]></dc:creator>
						<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Global trade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trade]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.country-guide.ca/?p=146670</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[<p><span class="rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time">2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> A Canada-China preliminary trade agreement reduces tariffs on canola seed, canola meal and peas, but some tariffs remain unchanged, leaving gaps for producers. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/ask-a-lawyer-what-the-canada-china-trade-deal-means-for-farmers/">Ask a Lawyer: What the Canada-China trade deal means for farmers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Canada’s trade relationship with China took a major turn in January with the announcement of a preliminary agreement addressing bilateral economic and trade issues. For farmers across Western Canada, the deal scales back retaliatory tariffs that have disrupted key export markets since 2024.</p>
<p>The agreement addresses tariffs on several key agricultural commodities, though not all sectors received equal relief.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Canola Seed:</strong> China is expected to lower tariffs on Canadian canola seed to a combined rate of approximately 15 per cent by March 1, 2026, down from approximately 84 per cent. This change will significantly improve market access for approximately $4 billion of Canadian canola seed exports annually.</p>
<p><strong>Canola Meal:</strong> China has agreed to remove “anti-discrimination” tariffs on Canadian canola meal from March 1, 2026, until at least the end of the year. Prior to this agreement, canola meal was subject to tariffs of 100 per cent, which effectively strangled exports to China. The removal of the tariffs provides meaningful (albeit temporary) relief for the marketing year ahead.</p>
<p><strong>Peas:</strong> Canadian peas will also no longer be subject to China’s anti-discrimination tariffs from March 1, 2026, through at least the end of the year. Before the trade dispute, Canadian peas worth approximately $700 million per year were being exported to China. Like canola meal, peas were subject to tariffs of 100 per cent, resulting in a sharp decline in export volumes.</p>
<p>The agreement does not reduce tariffs on pork or canola oil, both of which remain subject to significant trade barriers.</p>
<p><strong>What this means for farmers</strong></p>
<p>For farmers heading into the 2026 seeding season, the agreement provides welcome clarity.</p>
<p>However, several questions remain. The tariff reductions on canola meal and peas are only guaranteed through the end of 2026, leaving uncertainty about longer-term market access. Tariffs on canola oil and pork remain unchanged, and the full scope of the deal’s implementation will depend on ongoing negotiations.</p>
<p>The deal also includes a three-year review period to assess whether the expected Canadian benefits have materialized.</p>
<p>Canada and China have agreed to continue working on additional trade irritants in the coming months.</p>
<p><strong>Resources for farmers</strong></p>
<p>Farmers and agri-food stakeholders can stay informed about trade developments through the following resources:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada:</strong> Provides information on support programs for industries affected by trade disruptions. Available at: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en</li>
<li><strong>Global Affairs Canada:</strong> Maintains updates on trade agreements and negotiations. Available at: https://www.international.gc.ca</li>
<li><strong>Canada Tariff Finder:</strong> Allows producers to check import and export tariffs for specific goods and markets. Available at: https://www.tariffinder.ca</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><em>Note:</em></strong> <em>This article is of a general nature only and is not exhaustive of all possible legal rights or remedies. In addition, laws may change over time and should be interpreted only in the context of particular circumstances such that these materials are not intended to be relied upon or taken as legal advice or opinion. Readers should consult a legal professional for specific advice in any particular situation.</em></p>
<p><strong>If you have a topic or question you would like us to address in future issues, please email gholding@mltaikins.com.</strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/management/ask-a-lawyer-what-the-canada-china-trade-deal-means-for-farmers/">Ask a Lawyer: What the Canada-China trade deal means for farmers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
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		<title>&#8216;No agenda, no attenda&#8217;: How to professionalize your family farm meetings</title>

		<link>
		https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/no-agenda-no-attenda-how-to-professionalize-your-family-farm-meetings/		 </link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<dc:creator><![CDATA[Maggie Van Camp]]></dc:creator>
						<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guide Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guide Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Farm life]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.country-guide.ca/?p=144992</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[<p><span class="rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time">5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> Establishing meeting ground rules can help a farm family find ways to communicate that work for the business and the family. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/no-agenda-no-attenda-how-to-professionalize-your-family-farm-meetings/">&#8216;No agenda, no attenda&#8217;: How to professionalize your family farm meetings</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Establishing meeting ground rules can help your family find ways to communicate that work for your farm.</p>



<p>Here are some ideas you can incorporate into your farm’s communication code of behaviour:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Start with the right people making the right decisions at the right time in the right place </h2>



<p>For example, a dairy farm held Monday meetings at mid-morning coffee break to discuss operations, but during the busy season these meetings were consistently skipped. Since the bookkeeper didn’t need to attend, they shifted the meetings to Mondays at 6:15 a.m. This 20-minute, stand-up meeting in the barn office provided an opportunity to compile everyone’s to-do lists into a weekly task list on a white board.</p>



<p>They captured further efficiencies by setting a meeting time limit and recording decisions. They also set up a separate monthly lunch hour business meeting, which included the bookkeeper, to review <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/analyzing-your-farms-cash-flow/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cash flow</a> and to make decisions on anything worth $2,000 or more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get stuff done </h2>



<p>Like most of you, I absolutely hate meetings that waste time. A common waste of time at business meetings is getting distracted by idle chit chat and tasks. Farmers are often so task-focused that they don’t give <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/features/mental-health-affects-decision-making-on-the-farm/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">business decisions</a> enough attention. To stop task distraction, the business leader needs to communicate clear goals about what must get done. For example, the leader might send a pre-meeting text with a list of decisions to be made and ask if anyone has anything to add.</p>



<p>One successful dairy farmer told me that his lawyer sister has a rule she follows for family meetings: “No agenda, no attenda.” Take a few minutes to send a draft agenda before the meeting and ask if anyone has anything else that needs to be discussed. This will eliminate surprises and provides people time to think about what they might like to discuss and to gather extra information ahead of time. This also ensures the meeting time will be well invested.</p>



<p>Your first meeting agenda item: What will your farm’s ground rules be?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Be present, be focused </h2>



<p>Nothing is more distracting at a meeting than when a person is on their phone or jumps up and leaves in the middle of a discussion. Before the meeting starts, state that if someone is asked to attend, their opinion and input is <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/features/how-to-prepare-for-business-meetings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">essential to the meeting</a>. A few other ground rules to follow:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Arrive on time</li>



<li>Stick to the agenda</li>



<li>Put phones aside</li>



<li>Meet in a place without a lot of distractions</li>



<li>Share information ahead of the meeting</li>



<li>Keep it under an hour, preferably a half-hour</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Be the crew, not a passenger</h2>



<p>Your family business is a team sport so everyone who attends needs to share the air and be ready to participate. The best teammates and business partners ensure that everyone has a chance to share what they need to say. A helpful ground rule for larger groups is the 2&#215;2 (or 3&#215;3, etc.). This means everyone agrees to wait to speak again only after two other people have spoken or two minutes have passed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Use a &#8216;parking lot&#8217; </h2>



<p>Every meeting should have some way to set aside topics for further discussion if it&#8217;s not a priority, the discussion is getting too heated or more information is required. You don’t want to lose or forget the idea, so everyone should have the right to say, “For the sake of time, can we put this idea aside until the next meeting and move on?”</p>



<p>Keep a blank paper in the middle of the table to jot down these “parked” ideas (with the promise it will be on a future agenda). On one board that I chair, I’ve added a column in their post-meeting key action notes called parking lot ideas. Those ideas are fodder for future agendas and a built-in tool for resolving conflict. Parking the idea gives people a chance to cool off, gather their thoughts or seek more information before addressing a contentious topic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Discretion, honesty and grace required</h2>



<p>Honesty is the pillar of trust and trust is the pillar of communication in working well together. This means speaking up to share your opinion. When you say nothing, it’s commonly considered you agree. Child-parent communication tends to carry a certain level of acceptable untruths (for example, Santa, the Easter Bunny, the tooth fairy, sleepovers-turned-parties, not inhaling), but honesty is required of adult business partners — even if you don’t want to hear it as a parent or child.</p>



<p>Trust is imperative for effective communication, so everyone needs to agree not to talk about business decisions/discussions outside the meeting room. Although it sometimes helps to &#8220;debrief&#8221; with a trusted outside person your business and family are not gossip to be shared at the local arena, barbershop or coffee shop.</p>



<p>Come to each meeting with a bucketful of grace and be prepared to hear something you don’t like. Remember: it’s not personal. Instead, <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/family-meetings-that-work/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">consider these discussions</a> as a time to learn more, to tolerate and to teach.</p>



<p>Use “I” statements instead of “you.” This motivates discussion and limits perceptions of blame or shame. For example, say: “I feel that approach will take too long” and not “You are procrastinating.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Attack a problem, not a person</h2>



<p>Family members can be very competitive and critical, so it’s easy for families to get off track, start firing insults and drag up history. Good decision-making is not about winning or losing.</p>



<p>Focus is so important for making collaborative decisions. Most collaborative decisions are not “or” but rather “and” solutions. In other words, combining shared ideas creates better solutions than any singular idea. It’s not about you or your position on a topic, it’s about pulling together all the information and ideas to find the best solution.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Accountability born from consistency, key actions and execution</h2>



<p>Meeting leaders must ensure that each agenda item is allotted enough time for discussion. Once a decision is made, repeat it back to everyone and ensure that it’s written down, including the date the decision was made and the name of the person who is responsible for carrying out actions related to the decision.</p>



<p>In my experience, even the most important topics can usually be articulated in under three minutes. Anything beyond that and people’s attention span decreases. Split complex ideas into one or two points that can be more easily consumed and encourage discussion. Then state the next couple of points and ask for questions. If people’s eyes are glazing over you may be dominating the discussion. To be more self-aware pause and use the <strong>WAIT</strong> technique: ask yourself, <strong>&#8220;W</strong>hy <strong>a</strong>m <strong>I</strong> <strong>t</strong>alking?&#8221;</p>



<p>State if this a brainstorming session up front. If that&#8217;s what you&#8217;re planning, let everyone know the meeting won’t necessarily be about decisions but about brainstorming solutions. This helps everyone understand that they’ll need to be open to ideas and that the meeting might run a bit longer. </p>



<p>Remember when brainstorming:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Imperfect ideas are okay</li>



<li>Quantity of ideas is welcome</li>



<li>Blue-sky thinking is okay (i.e., exploring ideas without self-imposed limits)</li>



<li>Don’t get caught up in things you can’t control</li>



<li>Tangible but not well-thought-out ideas are okay at this point</li>



<li>Progress is the priority. Answers will emerge throughout the process</li>



<li>Defer quick judgment and be willing to let ideas go</li>
</ul>



<p>Setting rules for how your farm will meet about business can be a difficult cultural shift for the whole farm and family, but it’s worth it. </p>



<p>Collectively establishing a way of communicating that is more productive, professional and polite creates a culture of efficiency and respect for your business and family.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/no-agenda-no-attenda-how-to-professionalize-your-family-farm-meetings/">&#8216;No agenda, no attenda&#8217;: How to professionalize your family farm meetings</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
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		<title>Part 4: Financial disagreements between farm siblings</title>

		<link>
		https://www.country-guide.ca/general/part-4-financial-disagreements-between-farm-siblings/		 </link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeanine Moyer]]></dc:creator>
						<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guide Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guide Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Farm life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farm succession]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.country-guide.ca/?p=145000</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[<p><span class="rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time">3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> A six-part series that looks at the challenges sibling conflict can have on the farm business and family business relationships. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/general/part-4-financial-disagreements-between-farm-siblings/">Part 4: Financial disagreements between farm siblings</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Brothers Eric and Matt** farm together and are financially dependent on the farm as their main source of income. Years of drought have left the farm financially unpredictable and with tight margins.</p>



<p>While they have both invested capital in the farm over the years, the two brothers have never really agreed on the farm’s financial priorities, and the external pressures of market fluctuations and ongoing weather challenges are creating more tension between them.</p>



<p>Eric would like to invest in new equipment and upgrade technology to keep the farm running, while Matt feels they should prioritize maintaining cash flow. Day-to-day management discussions have become increasingly challenging since the brothers can’t agree on how finances should be managed or invested, and their disagreements are beginning to affect their relationship and overall family dynamics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Financial stress and interdependence</h2>



<p>Darrell Wade, founder of Farm Life Financial Planning Group and a farm succession specialist, has a few suggestions for how the brothers can manage this tense sibling situation.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>“A farm is the perfect place to combine personal and professional relationships,” he says. “It works if everyone is aligned, but it can be hard if they’re not. And harder still when schedules, finances and lifestyles are deeply intertwined with the farm.”</p>
</blockquote>



<p>The first thing Wade says these brothers need to do is complete some business planning exercises.</p>



<p>“Starting with a vision (the why), they need to ask themselves what they are trying to achieve and how they measure success,” Wade says. “Then work through the tougher questions such as how to balance reinvestment in the business along with personal needs for income.”</p>



<p>He also recommends that they complete a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis to determine what’s working, what’s not, and to identify the opportunities and risks to the business.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>“I often find approaching this analysis as a self-assessment exercise first can help farmers recognize where they should be investing their resources, both time and money,” says Wade.</p>
</blockquote>



<p>He says that no matter who you’re farming with, every farm business should have a formal agreement that outlines ownership, financial contributions and an exit strategy, such as a buyout clause. Written agreements should be developed for key aspects such as profit-sharing, land use or succession plans. </p>



<p>“I recommend involving a professional consultant to help these brothers develop these key legal agreements,” he says.</p>



<p>When it comes to managing farm finances, Wade says it’s important for farm partners to secure individual financial protection and to keep their personal finances separate from the farm finances.</p>



<p>“The farm business should maintain a separate bank account to prevent personal assets from being entangled in farm debts or disputes,” Wade says. “Siblings should all have access to financial records for transparency, to reduce the risk of one sibling controlling or mismanaging funds.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>“The brothers should also be sure to protect themselves against debt risks. I advise against siblings co-signing loans unless their ownership stakes are proportional.”</p>
</blockquote>



<p>Instead, Wade recommends farm siblings structure loans to reflect individual contributions or use farm assets as collateral. He says that they should consult a financial advisor to create a debt management plan that protects individual investments.</p>



<p>In the next instalment of this series, we look at the case of three siblings who work together on the family dairy farm. The two youngest, Jessie and Cam, have recently returned to the farm and both are full of new ideas they’ve picked up from their college experiences and from working off the farm. They are pushing to implement new practices and technology in the operation. Josh, who’s already been working alongside their dad for 10 years, is reluctant to entertain new ideas and generally resistant to change. This situation has created a divide in the family, especially with Josh, who feels his experience and vision for the farm is undervalued.</p>



<p>Watch for it in February.</p>



<p><em>** This family and case study are fictional. </em></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Read previous instalments in this series</h4>



<p>Part 1: <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/sibling-issues-in-farm-succession/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sibling issues in farm succession</a></p>



<p>Part 2: <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/tips-for-how-to-be-fair-to-all-siblings-during-farm-succession/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tips for how to be fair to all siblings during farm succession</a></p>



<p>Part 3: <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/guide-business/the-big-squeeze-how-to-be-fair-to-siblings-during-farm-succession/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The big squeeze: How to be fair to siblings during farm succession</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/general/part-4-financial-disagreements-between-farm-siblings/">Part 4: Financial disagreements between farm siblings</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
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		<title>Building a farm legacy that outlasts you</title>

		<link>
		https://www.country-guide.ca/general/building-a-farm-legacy-that-outlasts-you/		 </link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<dc:creator><![CDATA[Arlen Motz]]></dc:creator>
						<category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guide Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farm succession]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.country-guide.ca/?p=144994</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[<p><span class="rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time">2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> A farm&#8217;s legacy isn&#8217;t just about the land; it&#8217;s also about the values and the impact that continue long after the current owner has stepped away. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/general/building-a-farm-legacy-that-outlasts-you/">Building a farm legacy that outlasts you</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
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								<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Legacy runs deep in agriculture.</p>



<p>It’s not just about the land. It’s also about the family name, the farm’s story, the values and the impact that continue long after the current owner has stepped away from the day-to-day. For most farm leaders, there comes a time when the question arises: What happens to the operation after me?</p>



<p>One of the hardest transitions for farm leaders is learning to release control, not in a passive way, but in an intentional, healthy way.</p>



<p>When you’ve built something with your own two hands, poured your energy and heart into it, it’s only natural to want to hold on tight.</p>



<p>But legacy leadership invites you to trust, not just in the people around you, but in the work you’ve already done.</p>



<p>Legacy leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through clarity, planning and communication. <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/features/a-guide-for-farm-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">When you lead with </a><a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/features/a-guide-for-farm-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vision</a>, you create space for the next generation to rise — not in your shadow, but alongside your example.</p>



<p>Legacy leadership requires you to step into a new level of stewardship, one that is guided more by empowerment than management. Empowerment comes from a belief in your worth as a person and trusting yourself to be the leader you need to be. This is where many leaders get stuck. They believe the problem is that their family is not ready or that the circumstances on the farm are not right.</p>



<p>The deeper truth is that most of the resistance lives within the leader themself. But you don’t need to push harder — you need to lead differently.</p>



<p>When working with clients, I like to use horizontal leadership tools and a framework of empowerment. (Horizontal leadership is a style of <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/features/how-to-be-the-best-leader-for-your-farm/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leadership that focuses on empowering and engaging</a> all members of a team, rather than relying solely on a hierarchical top-down approach.) These approaches help ag leaders simplify what matters, release what doesn’t and communicate what’s most important.</p>



<p>When you lead from this empowered mindset, you stop micromanaging and start mentoring.</p>



<p>You stop overworking and start owning your time and energy.</p>



<p>You stop worrying about the future and start shaping it intentionally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Passing the torch is a process</h2>



<p>I love working with leaders who are ready to think bigger, not just about their business, but about the impact they want to leave behind. With coaching and courses, we work through the core challenges of horizontal leadership: fear, trust, curiosity and vision.</p>



<p>Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/features/never-stop-asking-questions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asking the right questions</a>, communicating with clarity and learning to see yourself and your people through a newly empowered lens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Leading today for tomorrow&#8217;s owners</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="2560" src="https://static.country-guide.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/30023207/239592_web1_Arlen-s-blog_Building-a-legacy-that-outlasts-you-scaled.jpg" alt="Infographic" class="wp-image-144995" srcset="https://static.country-guide.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/30023207/239592_web1_Arlen-s-blog_Building-a-legacy-that-outlasts-you-scaled.jpg 1024w, https://static.country-guide.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/30023207/239592_web1_Arlen-s-blog_Building-a-legacy-that-outlasts-you-768x1920.jpg 768w, https://static.country-guide.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/30023207/239592_web1_Arlen-s-blog_Building-a-legacy-that-outlasts-you-66x165.jpg 66w, https://static.country-guide.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/30023207/239592_web1_Arlen-s-blog_Building-a-legacy-that-outlasts-you-614x1536.jpg 614w, https://static.country-guide.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/30023207/239592_web1_Arlen-s-blog_Building-a-legacy-that-outlasts-you-819x2048.jpg 819w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca/general/building-a-farm-legacy-that-outlasts-you/">Building a farm legacy that outlasts you</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.country-guide.ca">Country Guide</a>.</p>
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