Modern farm transition can be a never-ending process – by Terry Betker
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...
Thank you, Jacquie Gerrard!
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...
Creating control and alignment – by Terry Betker
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...
Prepare for life’s curveballs by protecting working capital – by Terry Betker
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...
Striving for operational excellence, hard but worthwhile – by Terry Betker
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...
