Farm Family Harmony Podcast Elaine Froese

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine meets with guest Lewellyn Melnyk who shares her personal journey of overcoming mental health struggles while growing up on a farm in Manitoba. Her book, "Rooted: How I Stay Small Town Strong When Life Gets Hard, and How You Can Too," serves as a guide for rural women in agriculture, offering insights and coping mechanisms for navigating life's challenges. From the importance of connection and vulnerability to the role of music and self-care, Llewellyn emphasizes the need for open conversations and prioritizing mental wellness in farming communities. Through her own experiences and those of others, she highlights the power of resilience and the value of seeking support. Join the conversation as Llewellyn discusses the significance of understanding one's values, setting boundaries, and taking small steps toward better mental health.
“I think as farmers and people working in the ag industry, we are very susceptible to mental health challenges in the circumstances that we live in and work in. And so it's very, very important that we have boundaries and make those boundaries for ourselves and stick by them."
Timestamps
0:49 Lewellen emphasizes her motivation behind writing her book and what she wants listeners to discover.
4:12 Discusses supporting new mothers from Postpartum depression to hormonal changes.
7:53 Explores emotional connection, vulnerability, and the prevalence of loneliness in rural communities.
16:36 Emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and putting your mental health first.
19:09 Touches on discovering signs of loneliness and the significance of checking on others.
22:32 Discusses setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being for farmers.
Lewellyn Melnyk: Author, Farmer, and Mental Health Advocate
Lewellyn’s new book “Rooted” is a prescriptive memoir that tells the story of her own struggles with anxiety and depression and offers tips on how to stay small-town strong when things get tough. Mental health is one of the biggest threats to rural communities, and Lewellyn has made it her life’s work to start more discussions around this topic, advocating for agriculture, women, and mental health. Visit https://www.lewellynmelnyk.com/ to learn more.
For mental health resources, visit:
The National Farmer Mental Health Alliance: https://nfmha.ca/ The Do More Agriculture Foundation: https://www.domore.ag/ Mental Health First Aid: https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/mental-health-first-aid/ Tune in to Jennifer Buchanan, music therapist: https://www.jenniferbuchanan.ca/main-book/ 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 Join the waitlist for our Farm Family Transition Membership! Launching this October, spots are limited. Sign up now at elainefroese.com/membership I hope you found this episode on Rural Roots & Mental Health as insightful as we did! 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!

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine Froese and Lydia Carpenter, part of Elaine’s coaching team, explore the crucial elements of emotional strength in farm leadership. With a focus on empowering both seasoned founders and the next generation of farmers, Elaine and Lydia share practical strategies for fostering resilience, navigating tough conversations, and building trust within farm families. From embracing accountability and adaptability to fostering empathy and open communication, this episode offers invaluable insights for cultivating emotional resilience and fostering harmony in farm leadership. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, this episode provides actionable advice for becoming an emotionally strong leader on the farm.
“It's stepping back and rising to the occasion of becoming an emotionally strong leader without stepping away.”
Timestamps:

4:54 Discusses emotional intelligence in agriculture, mentioning the importance of self-reflection and adaptability.
9:18 Reviews building emotional strength in farmers through peer networks and mentorship.
12:43 Discusses using performance appraisals to identify strengths and weaknesses, improve management support, and foster self-reflection among resistant older farmers.
16:59 Shares personal experience as a first-generation farmer and relates to founders' challenges in transferring knowledge to the next generation.
20:57 Emphasizes the importance of a shared leadership journey for both generations, with a focus on communication, appreciation, and forgiveness.
25:45 Reviews how clarity of expectations, emotional health, and agreements are key for successful farm leadership.
Lydia Carpenter lives and farms in Manitoba and is a mediator and coach with Elaine Froese Farm Family Coach. She has a Master’s Degree in Natural Resources Management with a research focus in rural livelihoods. She has hands-on experience as an owner/operator and built a profitable cattle grazing and beef business as a first-generation farmer. Lydia and her spouse/ business partner are also part of a family farm transition plan with non-family. She is most passionate about the human relationships needed to make farming and rural communities really work. Her passion for the people in agriculture has driven her pursuit of lifelong learning and relationship building. For more information, visit: https://elainefroese.com/coaching/coaching-team/
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
Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb
Order The Emotionally Strong Leader by Carolyn Stern Here: https://carolynstern.com/book/
Check out the Being an Emotionally Strong Farm Parent Article Here: https://www.grainews.ca/farm-life/being-an-emotionally-strong-farm-parent/
Check out the Country Guide November 2023 Edition Here: https://www.country-guide.ca/digital-edition/country-guide_2023-10-31/
Check out the Country Guide February 2024 Edition Here: https://www.country-guide.ca/digital-edition/country-guide_2024-01-30/
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
Improve the HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY of your ranch, the PROFITABILITY of your business, and the QUALITY of your life. Join the Ranching for Profit: https://ranchmanagement.com/ranching-for-profit-school-2/
I hope you found this episode on How to be an Emotionally Strong Leader on a Farm as insightful as we did!

In this thought-provoking episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, What Does Money Mean to You? Elaine and financial psychologist Dr. Moira Somers dive into the complexities of wealth and legacy within affluent families. They explore the intricate web of personal narratives surrounding money, emphasizing its profound impact on family dynamics and future planning. Throughout their discussion, they stress the importance of financial responsibility, literacy, and effective communication in managing family wealth and resolving conflicts. Together, they provide practical insights and guidance for navigating the intricate landscape of wealth, fostering sustainable wealth management, and leaving a meaningful legacy for future generations.
“If you can show up peaceably, in regards to your relationship to money, you can often show up much more peaceably in regards to relationships in general.”
Timestamps:
4:18: Discuss the challenge of transferring wealth to the next generation, particularly for those who have experienced financial insecurity in the past.
11:54: Emphasize the importance of financial education and literacy, particularly for women, and encourage them to seek advice from trustworthy advisors.
22:51: Discuss challenges in having difficult conversations with farm families about transferring wealth, including feelings of embarrassment and humiliation around not meeting expectations.
27:20: Acknowledge difficulty in equally distributing wealth within a family business, suggesting mechanisms for addressing this issue.
31:42 Discuss the importance of sharing emotions and perspectives on money management in a family farm business.
Dr. Moira Somers is a psychologist, family wealth consultant and executive coach. She specializes in the psychology of money. Moira addresses matters that range from the highly personal concerns of individuals and families all the way up to broader service, design and structural issues affecting financial follow-through and equitable access to capital. 
Visit her website for more information: https://moneymindandmeaning.com/
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.
Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb
Our founding Members 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.

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine is joined by friend Lauren Lundt. Lauren shares her journey from Central Florida to Iowa, marrying into a multi-generational farming family. Facing unexpected challenges like the passing of her father-in-law, Lauren offers insights into building relationships with in-laws and finding her place in the farming community.
Together, Lauren and Elaine discuss the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and embracing change. Lauren's story highlights the need for understanding and flexibility as farm families navigate evolving dynamics.
“I hate texting for communication… I'm a big believer in being able to see people's eyeballs. And the eyes are the window to the soul and to have a sense of the tonality”.
Timestamps
6:57 Discusses how in-laws face challenges in adjusting to new roles and emotional support after the loss of a spouse.
10:49 Reveals helpful communication strategies for in-laws.
15:53 Lauren describes her experience with her husband and in-laws after the death of her father-in-law and one of the founders of their farm.
24:45 Elaine and Lauren reflect on their experience with in-laws in agriculture, mentioning the importance of cultural DNA and the need for vulnerability and honesty in decision-making.
29:38 Emphasizes how to balance farm work and family life, highlighting the tension between work and play for the next generation.
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.
Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb
Our founding Members 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

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony podcast, Elaine is joined by her special guest and fellow coach, Crisol Gonzalez, calling in from her dairy farm in Mexico. As a bilingual coach working with Spanish-speaking families across North America, Crisol brings a unique perspective to the table. With her background in law, education, and family facilitation, Crisol is well-equipped to tackle the challenges faced by farm families.
Elaine and Crisol dive deep into the intricacies of family meetings, focusing on how to build a conducive environment for fruitful discussions. They emphasize the importance of setting a clear theme for each meeting and establishing guidelines that promote respect, honesty, and active listening. Crisol shares practical strategies for managing conflicts and navigating diverse communication styles within the family.
“The first meeting that you are going to facilitate in your family, is the one that sets the ground for everybody to trust.”
Timestamps:
6:41 Highlights how the agenda should be focused on exploring the big-picture vision for the farm and family, with ground rules established to ensure productive discussion.
11:36 The group discusses using a shared values board as a reminder of their chosen values during heated or unexpected moments.
17:44 Crisol expresses frustration with a culture that wants things done quickly, but also recognizes the importance of planning and preparation for transition.
23:14 Crisol recommends creating a safe space for family members to express their love and appreciation for each other, which can lead to more meaningful and productive conversations.
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.
Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb
Our founding Members 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

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony podcast, Elaine is joined by Emily Nichols, an engineer advocating for gender-inclusive language. They discuss the importance of language in agriculture, highlighting how small changes can create big shifts in inclusivity. Emily shares practical insights and disruptors to foster more inclusive conversations, aiming to amplify the voices of women in farming. Tune in for inspiring insights into creating a more inclusive future for farm families and beyond.

"Words become habits and then habits become behavior”.

Check out Emily Nichols TED talk, “What if we didn’t have to be one of the guys?”

Timestamps:

1:21 Guest shares personal story of transitioning from farm background to engineering, emphasizing importance of inclusivity and connection.

3:18 Elaine expresses the importance of language in agriculture, sharing her personal experience of feeling excluded from the family farm despite being an integral part of its operation.

9:03 Shares their experience of being misgendered as a foreign partner, highlighting the importance of using inclusive language.

17:15 Highlights the importance of role models in agriculture and engineering, particularly for women and girls.
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.
Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb
Our founding Members 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