man in a blue shirt flanked by a wheat field on each side

VIDEO: Owning your influence in the community

Summer Series: Farmers are leaders in their communities, whether they realize it or not. Here’s how and why you should embrace that influence

Reading Time: 3 minutes A few years ago, I made a simple decision that would end up changing the way I see leadership. I signed up to get involved in my son’s rec hockey organization. At the time, I was excited. I wanted to be part of something meaningful, to give back, to support him and the other kids.  […] Read more

two farmers in a chicken barn. one of them is holding a digital tablet

VIDEO: How to go from managing to mentoring

Summer Series: How you lead matters. Subtle but powerful shifts in your leadership style can make a world of difference to your employees and, consequently, to your farm business

Reading Time: 2 minutes There’s a moment every leader remembers: that moment when someone looks at them differently. Not because of what that leader did, but because of how they did it. That’s mentorship. There have been a few times in my career where I’ve had glimpses of a true mentor. Those moments stand out. But the most impactful […] Read more


Arlen Motz with a blurred overhead view of farmland

VIDEO: Change the way you think to change what you control

Summer Series: Drought. Floods. Input costs. Market prices. Labour. Farming is a masterclass in staying calm during chaos. Here’s how you can tap into the power of your thoughts to remain steady, even when the future is anything but

Reading Time: 2 minutes Even the strongest leaders can find themselves caught in a swirl of frustration or fear when so much feels out of their hands. For instance, I remember a time when I was a very angry, reactive person. My family was always on edge, never sure when I was going to blow up. And honestly, most […] Read more

Silos and trees cast long shadows in fog at sunrise, scenic rural landscape, aerial view.

VIDEO: Building a farm that outlasts you

Summer Series: Legacy isn’t about control. It’s about leading today in a way that creates strength, curiosity and clarity for tomorrow’s owners

Reading Time: 3 minutes Legacy runs deep in agriculture. 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 […] Read more


Many of the producers I work with feel like they’re “just doing what needs to be done.” They don’t necessarily see themselves as leaders, but they are. – Arlen Motz.

VIDEO: How to be the best leader for your farm

Summer Series: Being a leader isn’t just about a fancy business title. It’s about leading by example, inspiring and empowering those around you. How can you lead more intentionally on your farm?

Reading Time: 3 minutes Since I was a kid, I was told to never put gas in a diesel engine. Have you ever done that? I admit that I did.  The hardest part wasn’t the cleanup, the cost, or the inconvenience.  The hardest part was admitting what I did. Owning this mistake took me down two very different roads.  […] Read more