Reading Time: < 1 minute There is a passage in the good book that reads, “Without a vision the people perish.” Dr. John Fast explains that the survival of the farm business depends on establishing and communicating a common vision.
Survival of the farm business requires a common vision
The “Undiscussabull” in family communication
Reading Time: < 1 minute Elaine uses the “bull” metaphor to help families address the “undiscussabull” which exists in nearly every family business.
Getting Unstuck — Soft issues in the farm family
Reading Time: < 1 minute Every so often we have a spring that is so wet the online world begins to circulate the best stuck tractor pictures. Elaine Froese says soft issues make up the muck that has many farm families buried to the axles.
The secret to a successful family business: communication
Reading Time: < 1 minute According to Dr. John Fast just about every challenge he has ever run into dealing with a family business, can be boiled down to poor communication. Fast reveals the secret weapon to making family business successful no matter what kind of operation you have.
Keeping the family business strong: more group hugs?
Reading Time: < 1 minute Showing respect and appreciation is the lifeblood that keeps a family business strong. John Fast addresses the question most guys want answered, “Does this mean more group hugs?”
Farm succession and family relationships
Reading Time: < 1 minute Rich relationships are the real family jewels. You need to be clear on what your jewels are as you are doing your succession planning. What do you owe your kids?
I’ll never retire
Reading Time: < 1 minute What will you do when you retire? It’s a question that doesn’t make much sense to most farmers since the plan is typically to go with the boots on. When we consider the word retirement it forces us to examine some very core self-perceptions.
Sore Points
Reading Time: < 1 minute For children playing in a sandbox disagreement often results flinging sand at everyone and everything. One way to avoid sandbox behaviour in the farm business is to establish a Family Code of Conduct.
Finding Your Voice
Reading Time: < 1 minute It is through your voice that you have personal power – the power to be heard, to be understood, to make a difference, to move into friendships. John Fast explains that finding your voice is important in order to negotiate for what you truly believe is right and fair.
Changing the Farming Business Model
Reading Time: < 1 minute The number one reason Dad has trouble making the changes to the business model desired by the next generation is because of Dad’s fear the new generation will run the farm better than he did.
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
