Dealing with conflict early, and head on

Dealing with conflict early, and head on

What if the son screws up and the boss says he should be fired, but boss is mom or dad? Dr. John Fast talks about the importance of clarifying the roles in a farm family business.

In business equal does not necessarily mean fair

In business equal does not necessarily mean fair

Most parents attempt to treat children equally but in a family business that approach can sow the seeds of future family disharmony and farm business failure. In business equal does not necessarily mean fair.


A good succession plan makes the difference

A good succession plan makes the difference

Running a family business is a journey that has a destination.  The point of a succession plan is to safely get you to the destination. A good succession plan makes the difference between a good landing and a bumpy one.



New Holland’s VP on how the company is expanding its product lines

New Holland’s VP on how the company is expanding its product lines

Abe Hughes II, New Holland’s vice-president, sales and marketing for North America, discusses how the company is expanding its product line to appeal to not only its traditional customer base, mixed farmers, but also broad-acre grain and oilseed growers and smaller producers.

Trapped by generations

Trapped by generations

When a family business is transferred, you often receive a great deal more than just assets, especially if it’s a farm business. Typically the package comes complete with traditions and family history. While these can provide a sense of direction and pride, more often it leaves the next generation feeling trapped.


Landmines in the family business

Landmines in the family business

The reason landmines are so dangerous is they are unseen; hidden just barely beneath the surface so as not to be seen but close enough to result in maximum destruction. Dr. John Fast warns of landmines in the family business.

Founderitis: the plague of transitioning farms

Founderitis: the plague of transitioning farms

Dr. John fast walks us through the symptoms that plague many farm families attempting to turn the business over to the next generation…it’s a condition known as ‘founderitis.’


What assets do we owe our kids?

What assets do we owe our kids?

One of the toughest things to talk about openly in the farm business is “how do we treat our children with our assets?” Certified family business coach Elaine Froese addresses the key question “what do you owe your kids?’

Survival of the farm business requires a common vision

Survival of the farm business requires a common vision

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.