Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

96% of Ontario Farmers are neglecting this Spring Chore.

It’s that time of year again – the time when goals are set and plans are put in motion. Spring means doing what needs to be done now to give yourself the greatest chance of success later. Waiting to get started isn’t an option. If certain steps aren’t taken now, the rest of the season is at risk. Farmers know better than most that we reap what we sow when it comes to planning ahead and doing the hard work upfront. And they know all too well that not planning and not doing the work leads to anxiety and disappointment. But what isn’t so common among farmers is an appreciation of how these principles apply not just to the harvest, but to their personal and business affairs as well.

 

Just look at the facts: only 18% of Ontario family farm business owners have a valid will. A mere 4% have a fully developed plan to deal with the eventualities of incapacity, retirement, and death. Meaning that 96% of farmers, their families, and their farming businesses are dependent on the farmer never getting sick, never retiring, and never dying. It’s not an ideal plan.


So why do we expose ourselves to this level of uncertainty and risk? It can’t be that farmers aren’t planners, and it’s certainly not because farmers are afraid of hard work. No, it’s that farmers, like most non-farmers, don’t want to talk about death. But good news! Farm Business Succession Planning isn’t about death. It’s about making decisions and working towards goals in a way that maximizes profits and minimizes losses. It’s about identifying opportunities and creating options. It’s about setting you, your family and your business up for success both now and in the future.


If you still aren’t convinced that now is the time to start the planning process, what about if we told you the government was paying for it. Yes, believe it or not the government will pay the professional fees of your advisor through government cost-share funding.


By adding “call my business advisor” to your list of Spring Chores you’ll be taking a significant step toward protecting yourself, your family and your farm for seasons and generations to come.


This discussion thread was written by Ms. Nicole Allen, BA (Hons), LL.B., of ALLEN Trusts & Estates.

Views: 435

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by OntAG Admin on March 29, 2012 at 6:48am

Hi Nicole,

This is a tough topic for most families.

Complex and emotional...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Joe

Permalink Reply by Roadrunner on May 17, 2012 at 1:24am

We find it hard to talk about and time goes by as you get busy.

RR

Permalink Reply by Chris Allen on May 17, 2012 at 4:48am

That's exactly it RR. The issues are difficult and complex. But they do get easier to address once they're out in the open. People are usually reluctant to open that can of worms, but that's the thing about worms, they dry up when exposed to sunlight.

And that's why I think the cost-share program is such a good one.

It gives farmer's access to professionals who can help with some of the more difficult or delicate issues (family dynamics, financial uncertainty, business management transition strategies, etc.), provides timelines that the advisor is responsible for helping the farmer meet, and by covering a significant portion of the costs, it's essentially reimbursing the farmer for the time spent away from the day to day business of running the farm. It removes the issue of costs from the equation while giving farmers access to advice that can save tens of thousands of dollars and years of extra work.  

It's not easy but it's time well spent.

- Nicole Allen


Roadrunner said:

We find it hard to talk about and time goes by as you get busy.

RR

Permalink Reply by Roadrunner on August 6, 2012 at 4:20am

Thanks Nicole,

I am going to look into this program this fall when I have a little more time.

RR

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Canadian Wool Industry Responds to New U.S. Tariffs

The Canadian Wool Council warned that doubled 50% U.S. tariffs will damage the cross-border wool and textile industry, escalating costs and disrupting supply chains.

Agriculture Enlightened panel to spotlight potato industry challenges and opportunities

Four leaders in Canada’s potato industry will take the stage at Agriculture Enlightened, Canada’s Agtech Conference, for Beyond the Spud: Markets, Technology and Opportunity. This panel discussion will explore how technology, evolving value chains, changing markets and global trade are reshaping the opportunities and challenges facing potato producers and processors. With Manitoba’s potato sector deeply connected to processing, export markets, and a diverse network of growers and industry partners, the discussion will examine how innovation and collaboration can strengthen the industry’s competitiveness and resiliency. Susan Ainsworth is the general manager of the Keystone Potato Producers Association (KPPA), representing Manitoba’s processing potato growers in negotiations and in policy and advocacy work with government and industry stakeholders. She is passionate about agricultural education and sustainable food production and was recently named one of the 2026 Influential Women in

The Future of Farm Work: What Precision Agriculture Means for Manitoba’s Workforce

A new EMILI report examines how digital tools are changing farm work—and why skills, training, and support will determine who benefits. Technology is changing how farm work is planned, performed, and managed across Manitoba. GPS-guided equipment, sensors, variable-rate technology, and farm data platforms are helping producers make more precise decisions. They are helping to manage inputs and operate increasingly complex farms too. As this unfolds, the skills required of producers and their employees must evolve at an equal pace. The same holds true for students, advisors, and technical support providers. EMILI’s new report, The Future of Farm Work: How Precision Agriculture is Changing Labour and Skills in Manitoba Agriculture, examines what these changes mean for provincial workforce development, technology adoption, and rural communities. Its central finding is clear: precision agriculture should be treated as part of Manitoba’s broader workforce challenge. Technology can help far

Protect Grain from Allergen Risks

Proper allergen management helps protect grain quality, maintain export opportunities, and reduce contamination risks through careful cleaning, storage, transport, and recordkeeping practices.

Pulse Market Insight #304 – August 21, 2026

Harvest Opens on a Split Pulse Market The pulse harvest is finally rolling in western Canada, but at a slower-than-usual pace. As of August 17, only 18% of the Saskatchewan pea crop was in the bin, similar to last year but far behind the 10-year average of 55%, with lentils just 13% combined. The late start isn’t a problem yet, but it does mean the crop needs a stretch of favourable weather to avoid quality issues. Early reports add another wrinkle: pea yields are coming in lighter than the good-looking crop stands suggested. Harvest still has to move north before the yield debate can be settled. For now, average yields remain the working assumption. What makes this year unusual is how differently the two halves of the pea market are setting up. Based on an average yield, the yellow pea crop would be roughly 30% smaller than last year, and total yellow supplies would drop by about 650,000 tonnes, tightening the balance sheet considerably. Green peas are the flipside; even with a smal

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service