Farm Family Podcast: Episode 25 - Mentoring for Great Management Transition

Episode 25: Mentoring for Great Management Transition

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, we’re joined by our favorite retired, but not really retired accountant, Glenn Dogterom, who brings decades of experience working with farm families to our coaching team. Together we dive deep into the art of mentorship for farm transitions. Glen shares insights from his years of working with farm families in southern Alberta, emphasizing the crucial role of mentorship in successful transitions by providing professional transition strategies. From building trust to fostering open communication, Glen highlights the key characteristics of effective mentors. We explore professional transition strategies for navigating the complexities of transition, including the importance of financial transparency and managing risk in farming. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just beginning your agricultural journey, this episode offers valuable insights into building a successful farm transition. Tune in to learn how mentorship can shape the future of your farm family!

“We have this thing in our practice that says, ‘Change is inevitable, growth is optional.’ And I think that’s a great way to look at whether or not people are going to have the flexibility.”

We have discussed professional transition strategies and much more. Here are the timestamps.

[12:30] – [14:00]: Learn Glenn’s experience working with farm families as an accountant and financial planner, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in successful farm transitions.

[18:45] – [20:15]: Discover the essential qualities of successful mentors in farm transition, including good listening skills, building trust, having an encouraging demeanor, and reliability.

[26:10] – [28:30]: Hear the significance of financial transparency in farm transition and the mentor’s role in facilitating understanding of financial aspects for the successor.

[36:50] – [39:20]: Learn the necessity of patience in farm transition, particularly in waiting for the next generation to gain off-farm experience and skills before returning to the family farm.

[47:10] – [50:00]: Explore strategies for managing farm debt and equity in farm transition, including options for successors to acquire land or shares in the family business, and the importance of financial planning.

[54:20] – [56:40]: Address challenges and opportunities for young farmers in accessing resources, such as grants and government support, to help build their own enterprises and gain economic traction.

For Elaine’s standard resources, visit:

• Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/ 
• Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking
• Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching
• Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books
• Learn about Ranching for Profit: https://ranchmanagement.com/ranching-for-profit-school-2/
• Use the Ultimate Decision Maker Tool
• Our founding member’s launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in October: elainefroese.com/membership

Glenn Dogterom is a dedicated professional with a deep-seated passion for empowering farm families through transitions. With a robust background as a public accountant and financial planner, he honed his expertise within the agricultural sector, specializing in guiding farm families through the intricate process of succession planning. Glenn’s commitment to facilitating smooth transitions and fostering sustainable legacies has propelled him into the role of a Farm Family Transition Coach, where he continues to make a meaningful impact on the farming community. Learn more at: https://elainefroese.com/coaching/coaching-team/

We hope you found this episode of “Mentoring For Great Management Transition” as insightful as we did and learned some professional transition strategies for easy transition! Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’re all ears! Your experiences and perspectives are what make this community thrive. Let’s keep the conversation going!




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