Reading Time: 11 minutes Just making one of these moves would be a huge step for any farm, let alone both of them. First, the Haskett family switched their farm from hogs to goats. Then, years later, they pivoted their market strategy too, launching their own new brand. In this article, we dive deep into how the family made […] Read more
Summer Series: Pivot, and then pivot some more
[Change Management] Why would this family abandon mainline commodities, and then dig in even deeper
Realizing the good idea
Everyone wants a chance to do something good for their community. How do you make that happen? Here is FMC’s plan
Reading Time: 5 minutes Countless surveys show the same results. The world has changed. In today’s post-Covid-19 times, we all want more. Or, to put it more accurately, we all want to do more. If you aren’t keeping up on the field called corporate responsibility it might be a good time for a long, hard look in the mirror. […] Read more
Working on a hashtag
It’s happened. Social media is now the leading way consumers learn about agriculture, which might just prove to be great news for farmers too
Reading Time: 5 minutes In the early days of COVID-19, the staff at Farm and Good Care Ontario thought their website had been hacked. Overnight, the hits on their virtual farm tours were up 4,000 per cent. Then, they learned why. “It turns out the Toronto District School Board promoted our website,” says Kelly Daynard, the group’s executive director. […] Read more
Local heroes
Personality is still essential for a successful local food startup, but quality is soaring too
Reading Time: 6 minutes Born and raised in Wales, Josh Keepfer grew up seeing how connected the local food sector and the farming community can be. What Keepfer saw, he says, was a “deep understanding” on both sides of plate, both for farmer and consumer. Farmers won with a local market that gave them loyal and vocal support. Consumers […] Read more
Young and bankable
Are you in your teens or 20s, and want to farm? It’s time to show you’re ready for the discipline of financial management
Reading Time: 4 minutes Growing numbers of family farms across Canada have started on the transition journey. They’re actively working at creating pathways that will give the next generation their shot at calling themselves farmers. For tons of these hopeful farmers, though, there’s a big question. How can they become bankable? Sure, Mom and Dad may think they are […] Read more
Family meetings that work
How do you score big with what is emerging as one of the most powerful farm trends of the 2000s?
Reading Time: 5 minutes Determining the future of any business involves planning, especially if it’s a farm business. There are no shortcuts. And it can’t be done without facing the prospect of potentially uncomfortable meetings. Conversations about the strategic direction of the farm are critical. For family businesses, this can be tricky. No one wants to have actual discussions […] Read more
Deciding on a charitable giving plan
Donation, bequest, endowment? Farm families can achieve a huge amount of good with their generosity, but be sure to plan it carefully
Reading Time: 6 minutes As more farm families get further into their transition and succession planning, charitable giving is becoming a critical part for many to incorporate into their plans. On more and more farms, in fact, questions surrounding meaningful donations and how to create impact are becoming cornerstone conversations for the family. “Farmers are deeply rooted in their […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
