67: Tools to Keep Farm Legacy & Get Financial Clarity
Farm Family Harmony Podcast
In this episode, I sit down with , founder of Legacy Farmer, for a practical conversation about safeguarding farm family legacies through strategic planning, financial transparency, and organized systems. Jace shares why many farm failures are rooted in silence, unclear data, and a lack of communication — not just financial shortfalls. From building a business owner mindset to strengthening family values, this discussion highlights actionable ways farm families can prepare for long-term success. Together, we explore how clear financial information, risk management, and thoughtful wealth...
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66: Dealing with Overwhelm on the Farm
Farm Family Harmony Podcast
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Merle Massie, executive director of the Do More Ag Foundation, for an honest and timely conversation about mental health in agriculture and the power of community to make a difference. Merle shares why creating a culture of well-being in farming communities matters so deeply, and how regular people in regular rural places can help support one another through stress, struggle, and mental illness. From naming what’s heavy in the spring season to recognizing the warning signs of overwhelm, this discussion highlights practical ways to care for both yourself...
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65: How Therapists Can Help Farmers
Farm Family Harmony Podcast
In this episode, I sit down with Colleen Stegenga, an ag-informed therapist from South Dakota, for an honest conversation about the emotional side of farm succession. Colleen shares how her work with farm families has shown her that transition planning often stalls not because people don’t care, but because grief, fear, guilt, and old family patterns are getting in the way. From identity loss in older generations to communication struggles between siblings, this discussion highlights why emotional healing is often a necessary first step. Together, we talk about how therapy can support the...
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64: Smart Money Habits for Young Farm Families
Farm Family Harmony Podcast
In this episode, Elaine sits down with Jenny Weg, a young farm mom from Iowa, for an honest conversation about money, family, and preparing the next generation well. Jenny shares how she and her husband are thinking intentionally about finances while raising three young daughters on the farm. From paying kids for the work they contribute, to saving early and planning for future opportunities, this discussion highlights practical ways farm families can build financial strength over time. Together, Elaine and Jenny talk about why money conversations matter, how expectations around the farm can...
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63: Future-Proofing Your Farm: Insights from Dr. Kate Burke
Farm Family Harmony Podcast
In this episode, Elaine sits down with Dr. Kate Burke for a thoughtful and deeply practical conversation about what it really takes to plan well for the future of your farm. Because succession isn’t just about land, shares, or strategy, it’s about people. Together, they explore why strong farm transitions begin with understanding your family first. What does each person want? What are they afraid of? What expectations are sitting quietly under the surface? Dr. Burke brings insight from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help families communicate with more clarity and emotional...
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62: A Farm Mom’s Transition Insights
Farm Family Harmony Podcast
In this episode, I sit down with dairy farmer Denise Angst for an honest and encouraging conversation about navigating farm transition in real time — while life, loss, and change are all happening at once. Together, we explore how clarity, communication, and respect across generations can turn uncertainty into opportunity. We talk about why starting with simple family meetings matters, how fairness looks different than equality, and what it takes for parents to let go while still providing stability and support. Denise also reflects on her own personal growth journey, the courage it...
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61: Overcoming Loneliness on the Farm
Farm Family Harmony Podcast
In this episode, I sit down with therapist, speaker, and executive coach Carolyn Klassen, who holds a Master’s in Marriage, Family, & Child Counselling and an undergrad in Occupational Therapy, for an eye-opening conversation about one of the quietest challenges in rural life: loneliness. Carolyn, founder of Conexus Counselling and creator of The Loneliness Course, shares why loneliness isn’t always visible, and how many farm women feel isolated even while surrounded by people and productivity. Together, we unpack the concept of social health and why real connection is just as...
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60: Hug of War: Managing Polarities in Farm Families
Farm Family Harmony Podcast
In this episode, I sit down with executive coach and author for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about one of the most overlooked challenges in farm families: navigating the tension between love and logic. Cathy, founder of Legacy Onward and author of Hug of War, shares how families can move beyond black-and-white thinking and start seeing conflict not as something to avoid but something to manage. Together, we explore the concept of polarities: two opposing but equally valuable truths, like tradition and innovation, control and trust, or fairness and equality. We talk about why...
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59: Discuss the Undiscussabull™: Tools for Talking About Transition
Farm Family Harmony Podcast
Happy New Year, Folks! To kick off 2026, I sit down with Walt Moore, president and general manager of Walmoore Holsteins Inc., a five-generation dairy farm in Pennsylvania. In this candid conversation, we look at the Undiscussable™ issues facing farm and ranch transition — particularly those surrounding family identity, retirement, and growth. Walt shares his family's journey, including the 18-month planning process, the role of outside advisors (like their specialized financial guide), and how they navigated a complex blended family structure to bring in the fifth generation. We...
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58: Tools to Align Visions When Spouse or Siblings Disagree
Farm Family Harmony Podcast
In this episode, I sit down with , Certified Financial Planner and founding partner of PWM Private Wealth Counsel, for a practical conversation about how to align vision with siblings and/or spouses when there's lots of disagreement. Kevin brings years of experience helping farm owners and families sort through the financial intricacies and reach retirement confidently. Together, we explore misalignment between spouses’ vision for retirement and transition timing, and the value of early planning and using tools for transition. We discuss the 3 key farm transition snapshot points; the...
info_outlineIn this episode, I sit down with Greg Barnsdale, Certified Financial Planner, Licensed Funeral Director, and author of Do Not Ignore Your Mortality, for a heartfelt conversation about one of life’s toughest (but most important) topics: planning for death.
We talk about the emotional and financial consequences of avoiding end-of-life planning and why leaning into conversations about wills, funerals, and legacy now can bring clarity, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships later.
Greg shares personal stories, including his own shocking brain tumor diagnosis, and insights from decades in both funeral homes and financial offices. Together, we explore how to approach mortality with honesty, courage, and even a little humor, so that farm families can age with less fear and more intention.
If you've been putting off those tough conversations or struggling to get your family on board, this episode is a loving nudge to take the next step.
Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.
Discover more about our guest: Greg Barnsdale
Elaine Froese Resources:
- Watch this episode on YouTube.
- SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
- COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
- MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
- RESOURCES - download for FREE
- CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
- BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches
Timestamps
0:02:03 - Greg's background in the funeral industry
0:03:11 - Greg's motivation for writing the book
0:05:35 - Discussion on preventing family hallway huddles
0:12:43 - Why people avoid creating wills
0:22:54 - Superstitions about talking about death
0:23:38 - Funeral budgeting and changing funeral traditions
0:25:07 - Organ donation and healthcare directives
0:27:48 - Strategies for planning when family is resistant
0:31:59 - How to find Greg and his resources (website)