In this episode, my guest is Cheryl Mitchell, founder of Farm Legacy and a longtime advocate for communication, leadership, and education in agriculture. Cheryl brings deep experience helping farm families navigate generational dynamics and make sound decisions during farm succession planning.

We discuss how young farmers and ranchers can design better decisions during the early stages of their careers, especially when navigating the emotional terrain of multigenerational farm transition planning. Cheryl and I explore how generational identities, from the Silent Generation to Gen Z, shape values, expectations, and communication styles on the farm.

You’ll learn why listening well, asking thoughtful questions, and building trust across generations are critical to keeping the farm legacy alive. Cheryl also shares stories that highlight the often unspoken fears that can hold families back from making progress and how to approach tough conversations with more clarity and compassion.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Cheryl Mitchell

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

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:07:05 - Discussion of generational differences 

00:09:04 - Identity challenges for older farmers and how younger generations view work differently

00:14:06 - Strategies for younger farmers to approach and communicate with older generations

00:19:43 - Importance of focusing on legacy and emotional connection

00:20:56 - Definition of legacy as an "invisible thread" connecting past, present, and future

00:27:00 - Changing decision-making approaches in agriculture

00:30:28 - Best places and methods for having meaningful conversations

00:33:13 - Communication techniques like one-word check-ins

00:35:22 - Importance of involving younger generations in professional meetings early on

00:38:29 - Addressing concerns of family members, especially women, in farm succession planning