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FARM TRANSITION: Free estate and will-planning tool now available online to producers

OTTAWA — Advance planning of wills and estates is crucial to farm transition, but a topic too often avoided. Now there’s a free online tool from Farm Credit Canada to make the process easier.

“Often the second generation is waiting for their parents to say, “Hey, we need to talk about where the farm is going,” but the kids don’t know how to start the conversation and the parents are afraid of the conversation, and then if someone dies, it’s a mess,” says Dr. Tom Deans, creator of the “Willing Wisdom” index that FCC adapted for the new tool.

The process only takes an estimated 8 to 10 minutes. The farmer goes through an online checklist and receives recommendations that can spur an important family discussion.

“Many people in the agriculture industry tell us that will and estate planning is an overwhelming task and so it’s common for producers to avoid it,” FCC advisory services manager Greg Thomarat said. “This tool complements the FCC’s Advisory Services who are already helping Canadian farmers begin these conversations.”

Access the tool at WillingWisdom.com/FCC.

Source : Farmersforum

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Midwest Weather Shock: Flash Drought Turns Into Heavy Rain Threat This Week (2026 Forecast)

Video: Midwest Weather Shock: Flash Drought Turns Into Heavy Rain Threat This Week (2026 Forecast)

A rapidly changing Midwest weather pattern is unfolding in 2026 as areas that recently slipped into abnormal dryness and flash drought conditions are now facing the threat of heavy rain and repeated storm systems.

After a wet spring erased early drought conditions, regions across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern Missouri have quickly dried out again since mid-to-late May. Soil moisture is dropping fast, and crops like corn and soybeans are beginning to feel the stress of rising temperatures and lack of consistent rainfall. Now, weather models show a major shift.

A developing system moving in from the Northern Plains is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall across the Midwest. While some areas may miss out, others could finally see much-needed relief from the growing dryness. In this video, we break down:

Current drought conditions across the Midwest

Why a flash drought is developing quickly

Timing and path of incoming storm systems

Which states are most likely to see heavy rain

How long this wet pattern could last

Will this rain end the drought or create new flooding risks? Watch the full forecast to find out.