The Awkward Conversation Every Farm Family Needs to Have

Running a farm with family can be one of the greatest blessings—and one of the toughest challenges. The overlap between family roles and business roles often creates tension, especially when tough financial decisions are on the table.

One of the most important conversations you’ll ever have on your farm usually starts between a father and son (or any family members working together). And it’s this:

👉 When we’re at work, we are business partners first.

That means you treat each other the same way you’d treat anyone else sitting in that chair. Respect, accountability, and professionalism come before emotions or family dynamics.

For us, we were fortunate. Louis and I naturally worked that way from the start. But here’s what really made the difference:

We were willing to have the awkward conversations.

I remember telling my dad, “If you don’t like what I’m doing with the money, come talk to me.” That kind of honesty isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary.

Because if you can’t talk openly about the numbers, the direction of the business, or mistakes that get made—you’ll never build a farm that lasts.

The joy of working with family isn’t that it’s easy. It’s that you have a chance to build something meaningful together. But only if you’re willing to put the business first when it matters most.

So, ask yourself:

• Have you sat down with your family members and made it clear you’re business partners at work?
• Are you willing to have the uncomfortable conversations when things don’t go right?

If not, now’s the time. Because the health of your operation—and your family relationships—depend on it.