Saskatchewan village still cleaning up after flash flood, but bride and groom manage to say ‘I do’ among the chaos
ELFROS, Sask. — Stella Stephanson was getting ready for her son Scott’s wedding, scheduled for that evening in the Elfros Union Church with a reception to follow in the community hall. Family members had already gathered at her house and more were expected to arrive as the day unfolded. At around noon that day, July […] Read moreStories by Shirley Byers

Beaver derby to target carcass disposal sees critics
Ryan Demchynski came up with the idea for Saskatchewan’s first beaver derby when he saw dead beavers lying in ditches and fields and floating on sloughs. However, the derby, which ran from April 1 to May 10, has raised questions about the effectiveness of such events. Demchynski has been a hunter and trapper for most […] Read more
Saving for children’s education requires a plan
About the time farm families think of farm succession, they’re probably also thinking of life after high school for their children. Whether the kids are going or staying, post-secondary education is a factor to consider. Because of the whopping cost of tuition and student loans, ideally they will have been thinking about it for a […] Read more
The pros and cons of buying a condo in the city
Many farmers choose to move to a condo after they wind up their farming business. It could be a smart move, or it just might turn into a train wreck. It’s important to learn as much as you can about the pros and cons of condo living before you make the decision to downsize. Key […] Read more
Retired and bored? Give the yard a facelift
You’ve already got the tools and the space to redesign your yard, now you just need some time and a plan
Transforming your farmyard into a landscaped paradise has been on your “to do” list for a number of years. Now that you’ve reached retirement, you’re looking forward to making that dream come true. James Polley, owner of Allan’s Landscaping in Saskatoon, says there are two important things to remember before landscaping the farmyard: Create a […] Read moreWhat happens once you’re there (and it’s no fun)
Some people have a real problem with retirement. Many farmers are in that group. Colleen Younie, a farm business management development officer with the Prince Edward Island agriculture department, has encountered some of them. These people are experiencing a profound sense of loss, grieving the farm, grieving a way of life, she says. “They will […] Read more

Finding satisfaction after retirement
Retiring from farming is the same as retiring from any job, but it’s also significantly different. That’s because people who stop farming are giving up more than a job. For many, it’s a way of life. An Australian study looked at a group of farmers who had retired and left their farms 1 1/2 to […] Read more
Following key steps makes planning easier
Yes, you need a succession plan, says Nick Betts, a business management specialist with Ontario Agriculture. A succession or transition plan proactively charts the farm’s future rather than reacting to future events such as a death, a health crisis or a divorce, he says. “If you owned any other kind of business, you would have […] Read more
Price of a lifetime
Once the decision has been made to put a farm succession plan in place, one of the first tasks will be to establish a fair financial value for the farm business. “Everyone wants to be fair,” says Reg Shandro of Farmacist Advisory Service in Lacombe, Alta. ”The perspective of fair is an intriguing concept because […] Read more
Incorporation may offer one solution to succession
The Rainforth farm near Lacombe Alta., was established in 1900 by Albert Rainforth. Today R. Rainforth & Sons Ltd. encompasses more than 1,200 acres. Albert’s grandson, Dave, and his son, John, grow grain, but over the years the farm has also included beef cattle and a dairy. The farm became a corporation in 1970. “We […] Read more