Reading Time: 5 minutes In part one, we explored gendered perceptions of leadership, that is, does gender have anything to do with what makes an effective leader? We looked at how lack of fit theory, role congruity theory, expectation states theory, the think manager-think male paradigm and the double bind influence the leadership opportunities women miss out on. Now, […] Read more
What leadership means in the field (literally)
The effects of having more women leaders in ag could be economically significant for both the industry and at the farm level
Employment agreements: A tool to manage employees
Reading Time: 3 minutes The days of a one-parcel, 100-acre family farm are long past. As farm operations become larger and more sophisticated, so does the need for properly managing farm operations. And that starts with the workforce. Proper training, supervision, and safety policies and procedures are paramount when it comes to managing a workforce. Additionally, the importance of […] Read more
Moving beyond delegation on the farm
Summer Series: When everyone is too busy and delegating isn’t an option, what’s a busy farmer to do?
Reading Time: 4 minutes Farming can be overwhelming during peak seasons. A never-ending job list means you’re overloaded — which means your team is probably already operating at maximum capacity as well, so delegating isn’t an option. What can you do? Kelly Dobson, executive coach and fourth-generation Fairfax, Man., farmer says a common complaint from his clients is that […] Read more
Canadian economy going ‘under the speed limit,’ says FCC analyst
Reading Time: 2 minutes Farm Credit Canada outlined less than impressive numbers for Canada’s economy Sept. 18, and that will spill over into agriculture.
You don’t have to be a people person to be a good leader
Summer Series: Just follow these basic tips to polish your leadership skills
Reading Time: 3 minutes If you read Country Guide you are most likely a farm manager or owner which means that perhaps you’re often focused on human resources management. But if you don’t think you’re great with people, not to worry. Many times, I’ve come across farm managers who have evolved their people skills in a short amount of […] Read more
What is a farm legacy?
Summer Series: Discussions about legacy have become more complex. How can you balance legacy and family when it comes to the next generation?
Reading Time: 3 minutes The definition of “legacy” in agriculture is changing. I have worked in this industry in some capacity for more than two decades and the one constant is that every family farm believes in legacy, the ability to create something that your children want to be a part of after you are gone. For years, that […] Read more
VIDEO: Is your parents’ accountant the best fit for the farm?
Reading Time: < 1 minute How can you tell your parents that the accountant they’ve had for years might not currently be the best option for the farm? An email from Worried We’re Missing Something asked our resident awkward conversation pro, Patti Durand from Brightrack Consulting, for advice about what they should say to mom and dad to ensure that […] Read more
A guide to farm financial ratios
Long lists of available financial ratios can be overwhelming. Here are three financial ratios that matter to bankers and how understanding them can strengthen your farm’s financial future
Reading Time: 7 minutes Some farm managers love to spend the winter poring over their financial statements and analyzing all ratios and indicators and how they’ve changed over time. Others would rather be outside working with cattle or at conferences learning the latest disease management techniques. If you’re not in the first category, your banker might know more about […] Read more
VIDEO: How to ask for a raise on the farm
Reading Time: < 1 minute If you’re thinking of asking for a raise but know that conversations about money can be awkward — especially if the boss is mom or dad — then you’ll want to listen to this week’s episode of Awkward Ag for step-by-step advice.
Why do farmers hate paying taxes?
Reading Time: 3 minutes It didn’t take long in my accounting career to learn that farmers don’t like paying income tax. No one does really, but farmers seem to have a particular disdain for sending money to Ottawa. I think there are a few reasons for this. One is cash basis income tax treatment which means farmers can often […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
