Most conversations about multigenerational farming tend to also lead to conversations related to succession planning. Fortunately, a multitude of resources is available to support sound succession planning: this article is meant, instead, to bring focus to some of the day-to-day joys and challenges of having multiple generations working together to steward the land — and feed the nation.
One in seven Canadian operators lives and works on a multigenerational farm, while family farms accounted for nearly 98 percent of US farms in 2020. A multigenerational approach contributes to the success of the operation and brings long-standing and beneficial relationships to the community. Working together allows ready access to the knowledge and experience of the older generation: when problems arise, it can be reassuring to have input from and bounce ideas around with someone who has encountered — and solved — a similar issue. A diverse range of knowledge, skills, and abilities means that many issues can be addressed without reliance on an outside tradesperson. Having access to land and equipment makes getting into the business more attainable for the next generation of farmers. Meanwhile, the younger generation often brings a greater level of comfort and familiarity with innovation and technology.
According to a 2016 study by Purdue University of multigenerational farmers in the US and Canada, both generations state that they generally are highly satisfied with their operations. Gaps in satisfaction levels between the generations were widest in the areas of goal alignment, conflict resolution, role clarity, and decision-making. In general, communication and succession plans were the areas in which both generations expressed the lowest levels of satisfaction.
Having a clear understanding of one’s tasks and responsibilities, as well as those of fellow workers, can improve job performance, satisfaction, and organizational efficiency. Creating job descriptions, such as the sample provided by OMAFRA on their website, may assist to clarify roles and expectations. Assigning tasks based on skills and interests rather than by gender or age may also lead to greater satisfaction: as Terry Betker, a farm adviser at Backswath Management in Manitoba told Country Guide “most jobs can be done equally well by [any] gender these days.”
The Purdue study found that generally speaking, there is not much conflict on farms. There are operational issues, however, that cause frustration for the older generation. The use of automatic milking systems and performance-tracking software may be a case in point. For some older farmers, the use of this technology creates anxiety as the financial investment seems extravagant for those who have lived through significant lean years and disastrous world events. The younger generation is more inclined to embrace innovation and is hopeful that the benefits of technology will assist them in growing the legacy that has been or will be entrusted to them.
Effective communication can be an essential means of managing conflict when there is conflict. The following are some strategies for communicating in a way that facilitates understanding and respect:
In the end, the family contributes to the success of the multigenerational operation. As Illinois farmer Kendall Browning told Illinois Farm Bureau Partners, “We all must work side by side and make all major decisions together, even when we disagree, for the good of the operation and not by personal preference. The key is to remember that at the end of the day the farm is important, but family comes first.”
Milk Moovement has partnered with the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance to offer resources and webinars created by experienced psychotherapists with lived agriculture experience. Visit Milk Moovement to learn more about how to prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or stuck, help is available. Visit National Farmer Mental Health Alliance for a list of resources available for farmers and farm families. If you’re in crisis or suicidal, call 911, visit your local emergency department, or contact Talk Suicide Canada by phone at 1-833-456-4566 (available 24/7) or text 45645 (available 4 pm to midnight ET) or dial 988 in the United States to access the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.