EDA Welcomes Elaine Froese, Catalyst for Courageous Conversations
Published on January 30, 2012
According to FarmSmart, 75% of farmers will retire in the next ten years. 60% of these soon-to-be retiring farmers have no one to pass the farm on to. Are you prepared to make the transfer happen?
To help farm owners have the conversation with the next generation, the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta’s (EDA) Agriculture Committee has brought in farm family business coach Elaine Froese. Froese’s ability to get farm families to identify, discuss and take action on the tough issues made her an excellent choice for presenting at the committee’s Training the Next Generation 2.
EDA Agriculture Committee member Robert Nemeth is in the process of integrating his son and daughter into the family business. Nemeth acknowledges the process can be challenging.
“Like most businesses out there, we are trying to figure out how to make it work,” shared Nemeth. Nemeth felt for most farm families it is challenging to separate family issues from the business planning process, making it important for family members to work together through obstacles.
Froese recognizes sensitive and personal issues often arise in the process, which need to be addressed—therefore, she incorporates turning point technology and text messaging to maintain confidentiality so her clients can get the important questions answered.
Froese’s work is regularly featured on AgVision TV, and Froese is also a regular contributor to publications such as Grainews and Country Guide. You may learn more about Elaine Froese by visiting her website or through reading this sample question and answer.
Training the Next Generation 2 will be held February 16 with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede’s Grandstand Banquet Room. To find out more information on the event, or to register, please contact the EDA at (403) 488-7015 or info@edalliance.ca. A free copy of Froese’s e-book, Do the Tough Things Right is available to those who register before February 2.
Training the Next Generation 2 is sponsored by the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta, Friends of Agriculture including: MNP, C & H Irrigation, TD Bank Group, Rick Porter Group of Companies, Servus Credit Union, the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede, Farm Credit Canada, and Medicine Hat New Holland; and the Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program (RCAP), a Government of Alberta initiative. Thanks to all of our sponsors who helped to make this important agriculture event possible.