Here’s a farm and family situation that is not unusual. Two brothers have been farming together for years. Let’s say that they’re mid-40s and have been farming for 20 to 25 years. They started out farming with their parents. Things generally went well with the farming...
In the 32-year history of Backswath Management, many have played key roles in building the firm – and helping our clients succeed. That said, there’s only one Jacquie Gerrard. Since 2011, she has made a signature contribution to creating the Backswath we know today....
I recently attended a conference in Manitoba. One of the speakers addressed alarming changes in crop costs and expenses over the past eight years and included a projection for 2023. While these vary from region to region the trend is similar. Costs are up and prices...
I never did learn how to hit a curveball, and in hindsight, I’m sure that had a lot to do with a decision to stop playing baseball. I took up golf but I likely should have pursued a different sport based on my current handicap. Baseball pitchers have a selection of...
When you think about excellence, what comes to mind? I suspect for many people, a follow-on question would be why does it matter? I think it would depend on what we’re talking about. Excellence in sports would be quite different than excellence in wood working, for...
Is the glass you’re looking at half full or half empty? I think farmers are inherently optimistic, even though when you talk to them, you’ll hear things aren’t going well. Weather, prices, employees and maybe family can be challenging and can dominate a farmer’s...
