The Rural Voice, 2019-01, Page 13and similar worries. We are all
chasing that idea of how to keep our
farms profitable, have quality of life,
and pass something on to our
children.
But bigger than that there are
common themes that these farmers
from across Canada value:
community, improving their
environment, treating their animals
with care and respect, and building a
good working life for their families
and their employees. We all struggle
with finding reliable employees and
keeping them through busy and not
so busy seasons. We struggle with
increasing societal demands, but not
necessarily a willingness to pay for
those demands. We all struggle with
a global marketplace that is impacted
by erratic politics, climate change,
policies, laws, and regulations.
Succession planning in an
environment where land costs have
made everything so highly valued is
another issue that we all face –
regardless of our stage of life. Two of
the most dynamic speakers I’ve ever
heard talked to us about the legal and
tax implications of succession
planning. While that might sound
like a long day at the end of eight
hours, the energy and engagement in
the room was just as active as it was
in the beginning. It was obvious that
people are hungry for innovative
ideas around how to transfer farm
businesses as increasing land values
make finding fair solutions seem ever
more elusive.
At the end (or almost end) of a
long and challenging harvest season,
finding the energy to take on
strategic planning and an intensive
week of learning felt a bit daunting.
Before I left, I was reminded of the
importance of setting aside time to
reflect and think about things other
than that last 150 acres of soybeans
still sitting out in the field waiting for
the snow to go away. Again. Making
a conscious and deliberate effort to
learn, grow, and step outside my
comfort zone is always rewarding.
Being able to spend time with
enthusiastic farmers from across the
country – even if some of it involves
sharing common struggles – reminds
me that we aren’t alone and the
opportunity to do so is a huge gift. ◊
January 2019 9
Kate Procter
mherT
P
mo
Pu ofurfoort
o Plus
$17
bubuR
sh
bu
0.0
beerboot
00/pair*
uy 2 or more
ipping included
S
Fo
s , OntariosSt. Mary’
Price subject t
r more information, call
*Price subject t
to change without noticeto change without notice
519-615-0125
Open Pollinated Corn
Victor & Anna Kucyk
R.R. 3
6571 Line 34 (Hwy. 8)
Mitchell, ON Canada N0K 1N0
Tel: 519-348-4541
Cell: 519-272-4493
A & V Kucyk Ltd.