WHILE EVERY FARM family is unique, facing challenges while planning and implementing farm transition is not. There are many roadblocks that can slow or even stop the process and leave a lasting impact on farming and non-farming family members. Elaine Froese, a farmer, wife, mother, author, coach and speaker from Boissevain, Manitoba, has dedicated her career to helping farmers find family harmony while transitioning their business from one generation to the next. Ontario Grain Farmer recently asked Froese about the issues facing women in agriculture today. Are there common challenges she sees among many of the women she coaches? The answer is yes, and frustration seems to be the theme. But what farm women are frustrated about depends on their age and stage. NEXT GENERATION Froese has heard from numerous women in their 20s, 30s and 40s about the lack of support they receive when it comes to continuing their family’s farm operation. “One of the biggest frustrations is that they’re proving themselves in the marketplace as an agricultural professional, Rebecca Hannam Women in farm transition COMMON CONCERNS FROM FARM WOMEN Industry News continued on page 30 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 29 MARCH 2023 ELAINE FROESE. PHOTO COURTESY OF ELAINE FROESE. CONTACT US: CA.Cropscience@SGS.com 1 (800) 265-7175 Join Us 2023 March Classic Grain Farmers of Ontario PRE-REGISTRATION EVENING RECEPTION SGS is the exclusive sponsor of the this year’s evening pre-registration reception. Join us for fingerfoods and beverages while networking with friends and industry colleagues WHEN: March 20, 2023 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM WHERE: The Double Tree by Hilton, 300 King St London, Ontario N6B 1S2 WHO: Registrants of the 2023 March Classic. Registration kits can be picked up at our reception. REGISTER: gfo.ca/marchclassic yet they are not being given the understanding that they are valid successors on their home farms,” she explains. While there is a disconnect between what these women bring to the industry and what they are deemed to be able to bring to the family dynamic, Froese is not convinced that gender is the problem in many situations. “I think what’s underlying the disconnect is fear, and sometimes it’s hard to uncover what the real fear is,” she says. In her experience, farm founders commonly fear the loss of wealth, power, control, and identity.
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