Executive Coaching Program Provides Expert Advice for Canadian Farmers

Jul 04, 2022

A new coaching program for Canadian farmers will empower producers to improve their finances, business risk management policies and, most importantly, create a community of knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Farmer Coach is the first comprehensive and continuous business management program in Canada designed specifically for primary producers.

The program is part of the Hebert Group, which includes Hebert Grain Ventures, a large western Canadian grain operation, and Maverick Ag, an agricultural insurance and financial consulting company.

Led by Hebert Group’s Chief Financial Officer, Evan Shout, and President, Kristjan Hebert, Farmer Coach bridges the gap that exists between farmingas a lifestyle and farming as a thriving business.

“Whether it be pride, ego or rugged individualism, too many farmers feel they need to do it on their own, and that’s not the case. We know coaching can help producers with mindset, leadership and financial acumen to ensure their operation is profitable and sustainable,” says Shout.

The war in Ukraine, high commodity prices, rising input costs and severe weather are examples of the volatile nature of agriculture today. Teaching farmers, and professionals who work with agriculture clients, how to better prepare and take advantage of the volatility can make a huge difference.

“Farmers have to be the CEO, CFO and COO and put in a crop. There are many zeros in today’s farming decisions and a lot of downside risk if you’re not adequately prepared. Farmer Coach will help participants with forward planning so they will have good outcomes and a sustainable farm,” says Shout.

The programs are based on boots on the ground proven practices developed by farm managers and entrepreneurs, rather than external consultants. Key topics include removing emotions from business decisions, human resources, working capital and cash flow, machinery utilization, succession planning and land expansion.

“The largest leap for agriculture is between the ears,” says Hebert, a graduate of Texas A&M’s The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers (TEPAP). The program showed Hebert early in his career the importance of farmers investing in professional development.

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Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.