As your farm’s chief executive officer, you are the leader who, among many roles, coaches farm workers and manages staff and operations to fulfill the vision of the farm business. So, how do you best engage your employees to lead them while ensuring your farm achieves maximum success? 1. Let employees help “The precursor to any relationship […]
Three experts weigh in on the best way for the next generation to start the farm transition conversation. John Fast, Waterloo, Ontario, The Family Business Doctor Show them you mean business Since any successful inter-generational transition must become a business transaction, I have found that young people who begin with a business approach will tend […]
Roger Lobb didn’t grow up on a farm. But in his 40s, he bought a small parcel of dryland near Medicine Hat, Alta. It was the first step in what would become Sand Box Farms. Starting with no agricultural background, Roger built his farm through mentorship, strategic planning and a collaborative, entrepreneurial mindset. His journey […]
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is currently being reviewed, with its future hanging in the balance. Related uncertainties, compounded by earlier tariffs imposed by the U.S., have already hurt Canada’s economy, as evidenced by delayed investment and weak hiring by firms. In this Economic and Financial Market Update, we look at possible CUSMA scenarios and what […]
Modern agriculture is no longer only about production; it can be about managing a multi-million-dollar enterprise. And as the complexity of farming deepens, thinking like a CEO becomes ever-more important. It means approaching the farm as a business, equipped with important tools like a long-term vision, and strategic and risk management plans. With a CEO mindset emphasizing […]
Safety protocols for technology on the farm deserve the same amount of attention as the safety protocols you have in place for operating farm machinery. Information in this technology footprint is vast and growing. Private details, such as banking and financial information and employees’ personal details, are examples of digital farm data that are crucial to […]
When Fanny Delisle married into her husband’s dairy farm, succession plans were already set. That was OK with her as she had other ideas in mind on how to make a mark on the community and the next generation of farmers. She arrived on the farm, located on the South Shore of Montreal, with infectious […]
If you have a loan coming up for renewal, and/or are looking at taking out a new loan, you may be wondering how the war in Iran is changing the cost of borrowing – and whether a fixed rate or variable rate term might be best for your operation. There are many different factors to […]
Taking a CEO mindset approach is becoming increasingly important in today’s real estate market. Whether you’re managing investment properties, developing land, or growing a real estate portfolio, treating your operation like a business creates a stronger foundation for long-term success. That’s why having a clear vision, strategic direction, and the right tools in place is […]
Seeding is only weeks away, but final planting decisions are clouded by a higher degree of uncertainty than usual. Many Canadian crops are expected to face tight margins in 2026, and rising fertilizer prices are adding pressure just as plans are finalized. In our 2026 crop outlook, we noted that crop export pace and cost management […]
