Are you prepared for tragic transition?

Over the past several weeks we have posted three videos featuring interviews that were filmed in the spring 2014 with Wayne Skrypnyk, the founder of Skrypnyk Group. We have shared these videos in order to highlight some important areas that businesses should address in order to achieve high performance.

One key area is that of preparing for transition. In July of 2014, Wayne passed away suddenly. Wayne was a true leader, an inspirational presence and a friend. People such as Wayne are not replaced. It is now the responsibility of all who have had the fortune to work with Wayne to continue on the legacy which he started over 25 years ago.

It is times like these that force all of us to reflect on many things. One item that was highlighted in the videos is the fact that many business owners do not plan for transition. One day you will dispose of your business. It might be while you are alive, or it could be upon your death. Either way, as an owner it is imperative that you undertake the appropriate planning to ensure that the transition happens on your terms and that the business is in a position to carry on in your absence.

Business succession is a situation that is detailed and discussed in countless case studies. But to us, it is real. It is fortunate that as a firm, we had taken our own advice and are therefore in a position to continue the legacy that is left by Wayne, and built by the team.

How ready is your business for transition? What would happen if you, or a business partner of yours, suffered an unexpected tragedy? Who would your business partners be?

Transition is often difficult for business families. We prefer to spend our energy thinking of how to build the business instead of planning our exit. However, as we have learned in no uncertain terms – you will transition your business one day. You may not be able to choose the timing, but you can choose that the transition takes place on your terms and that the business is well positioned to continue building upon your success.

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Welcome to
Ontario Agriculture

Sign Up
or Sign In

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

Which Farmer’s Almanac Is Going Out of Print?

it’s not the iconic yellow-covered Old Farmer’s Almanac that’s closing its doors. The Farmers’ Almanac, based in Lewiston, Maine, will publish its final edition in 2026, marking the end of a 208-year legacy.

USask horticulture student honours peace by growing poppies

The display is a project of the heart for University of Saskatchewan (USask) horticulture student Corporal Fikret Ükis, who has been a member of the Canadian Armed Forces since 2018. “I thought it would be meaningful to have real poppies growing here on campus. They’re such a powerful symbol; simple, but deeply emotional,” Ükis said. It has been more than 100 years since the First World War and 80 years since the Second World War, and the world continues to see terrible conflict, he noted. “People sometimes forget that the freedoms and sovereignty we enjoy today were paid for by the sacrifices of those men and women,” he said. “It’s sad to see how fragile peace can be. The Ukrainians know this better than anyone right now; their sovereignty is currently under threat. Here in Canada, we take peace for granted, and we’ve forgotten how hard people had to fight during the First and Second World Wars, and how hard we still have to fight, to protect it.” Ükis said the poppy is a delicate

USask graduate investigates gene to improve the health of barley

Feeding the world requires healthy crops that can resist plant disease. Barley is the world’s fourth largest cereal crop in terms of production. This important crop is at risk worldwide from the fungus, Ustilago hordei, which infects barley with a disease called covered smut. This fungal infection starts on the surface of barley seed and causes the kernels of the barley plant to be replaced by masses of brown spores. Fan Yang’s research sought to identify a gene that can prevent barley yield loss from covered smut and thus improve economic returns to farmers. “My research focused on identifying a resistance gene, called RuhQ, within the barley genome that provides long-term resistance to covered smut,” said Yang. “I investigated how the pathogen infects barley seedlings and reduces grain quality and yield. I also explored which defense pathways are activated by the RuhQ gene to help barley defend against covered smut.” In July 2025, she successfully defended her PhD thesis, A study

Pulse Market Insight #286

Another Headwind for Yellow Peas The first quarter of the 2025/26 marketing year is now over and the pea market’s performance can be described as good, considering China’s 100% tariffs on Canadian pea imports, but not great. According to the CGC, farmers’ pea deliveries through 13 weeks were 1.13 mln tonnes, below the 5-year average of 1.21 mln and last year at 1.37 mln tonnes. Licensed pea exports totaled 865,000 tonnes, slightly above the 5-year average of 855,000, but trailing last year’s strong pace of 1.05 mln tonnes. In a “normal” year, this movement of peas wouldn’t be a big concern but the 2025 pea crop is nearly a million tonnes larger than last year, including 700,000 tonnes more yellow peas. Canada needs to export more peas, not less, in 2025/26 to avoid a large buildup in ending stocks. Unfortunately, the Indian government’s recent announcement of a 30% import tariff on yellow peas (from all origins), effective November 1, won’t help the situation. Several months ago, In

FVGC executive director plans to retire

The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) president, Marcus Janzen, has announced that Massimo Bergamini will begin a transition from his role as executive director as he moves toward retirement. The Board is grateful for his leadership and for the organizational achievements made during his tenure.

More…

Badges | Report an Issue | Terms of Service