The Side of Farm Succession That Farmers Don't Talk About with Karen Versloot

This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University

In this conversation, Karen Versloot shares her journey as a dairy farmer in New Brunswick, discussing the unique challenges and experiences she has faced, including a devastating barn fire and the loss of her husband. She emphasizes the importance of community support, planning for the future, and integrating family into farm life while allowing them to pursue their own passions. Karen's story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the deep connections formed within the farming community. In this conversation, Karen Versloot shares her experiences of raising a family on a farm, discussing the importance of nurturing children's passions, the complexities of succession planning, and the dynamics of blended families. She emphasizes the significance of maintaining relationships with children while balancing the demands of farm life and offers insights into the challenges and joys of parenting in a farming context.

About ChopLocal and ChopLocal University

Meat buyers want convenience and variety, and meat farms need a better way to market their products. That's where ChopLocal comes in.

Founded by farmers, ChopLocal features high quality products from butcher shops and meat farms near you. They are dedicated to building a more resilient supply chain for meat that benefits everyone involved, and we're certain you'll be able to taste the difference!

Want to learn more about selling on ChopLocal as a producer? Visit their website below!

• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ (Education For Producers)
• https://choplocal.com/ (Sell or Buy on ChopLocal)

About Blooming Health Farms

Calling all chicken keepers who want to turn their passion into egg profits. Whether you’ve never had chickens or are a pro, we provide the tools, guidance, and support your need to grow.

You’ll discover how to save time, reduce costs, and grow your flock into a money-making egg machine.

We offer novel hydroponic methods for managing and scaling your egg sales and connect you with a thriving community of small-scale egg farmers who want real results, not an echo chamber

• 📅 Live Weekly Q&A Sessions
• 🎥 Exclusive Videos
• 🏆 Chicken Pimp Roadmap

In Pimp Your Flock we’re sowing the seeds of change in the chicken world. And you’re at the heart of this revolution...

Join Now: https://www.skool.com/pimp-your-flock/about

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Takeaways

• We are growing animals and crops on our dairy farm.
• The terrain in New Brunswick is unique with hills and valleys.
• Pasturing cows is still a practice we maintain.
• I had no agricultural background before marrying into farming.
• The barn fire was a significant turning point for us.
• Community support was crucial after my husband's passing.
• Planning for the future is essential in farming.
• Having a will simplifies many processes after loss.
• Keeping detailed records is vital for farm management.
• It's important to allow children to explore their own interests. Encouraging children to explore their passions is vital.
• Balancing farm responsibilities with family activities is challenging but necessary.
• Successful succession planning requires parents to let go of control.
• Building relationships with children is as important as discipline.
• Blended families face unique challenges, especially in farming contexts.
• Gradual transitions in decision-making can ease succession planning.
• Maintaining family connections is crucial despite busy schedules.
• Parenting involves both discipline and fun activities with children.
• Farm life can present unexpected challenges that require resilience.
• Communication and shared responsibilities are key in family dynamics.