The Canadian Association of Farm Advisors Presents: 2025-26 Cultivating Business Insights CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NUMBER: 406096612 The Canadian Association of Farm AdvisorsTrusted, Connected, Canadian 3 Published By: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. 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Cultivating Business Insights Published For: Canadian Association of Farm Advisors PO Box 470 Richer, Manitoba R0E 1S0 Direct: (204) 381-6313 Email: info@cafanet.ca CAFA’S NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS craig.swistun@raymondjames.ca tblonde@bakertilly.ca mccorquodale@stratfordlawyers.com james.fehr@rbc.com rparker@valcoconsultants.com danielle@daniellewildfong.com apukalo@harbourfrontwealth.com barmes@alignedcapitalpartners.com karla.rahn@agriskmanagers.ca contentsUP FRONT 5 View from the Chair, Craig Swistun, CIM, RDG 7 Executive Director’s message, Amanda Bibeau 10 CAFA's insiders 11 This issue's experts FEATURES 12 Possible cost pressures in 2026 reinforce drive to find efficiencies As 2025 draws to a close, Canadian farmers are already eyeing 2026 with a mix of caution and determination. With input costs still elevated and markets uncertain, a solid year-end review can reveal new opportunities to boost efficiency, strengthen resilience, and build profitability for the year ahead. 14 Teamwork makes the business work Just like a Stanley Cup-winning hockey team, a successful farm needs more than one star player. Learn how collaboration among veterinarians, nutritionists, and financial advisors helps producers milk every opportunity for success. 16 More than loyalty A tough lesson on the farm: What the Metske case means for your succession plan. 19 Leading through uncertainty Managing a family business can be as turbulent as navigating stormy seas, but with emotional self-awareness, financial clarity, and open communication, you can chart a steady course. 21 Don’t leave your exit to chance Your farm isn’t just a business – it’s your legacy. Learn how asking the right questions, building a strong team, and planning early can turn your farm exit into a win, rather than a scramble. 23 Index to advertisers Cover photos courtesy of Jules Brodeur Photography.4 The Canadian Association of Farm AdvisorsTrusted, Connected, Canadian 5 VIEW FROM THE CHAIR The Power of Collaboration in a Complex World A year ago, Cate McCor- quodale, then Chair of the Canadian Associ- ation of Farm Advisors (CAFA) wrote about the importance of enhancing our com- munication practices in the digital age. And she was right. Better com- munication from advisors is critical to our clients The CAFA board also agreed and so began working with our Execu- tive Director to improve the way we communicate to members. Over the last 12 months, you’ve witnessed that transformation. You can now find CAFA active on LinkedIn, Instagram, and BlueSky. As outlined at the last Annual General Meeting, these channels have dramatically increased our visibility in the farming community. This work continues. Com- munication is critical, precisely because the solutions that our clients require to thrive are grow- ing increasingly complex. But, today, it’s becoming more difficult for one single advisor to have the expertise to provide complete solutions to modern challenges. Deal- ing with the impact of inflation, tariffs, changing tax rules, and general mar- ket volatility requires a multi-disciplin- ary approach. If last year was about “com- munication,” this year is about “collaboration.” Fortunately, CAFA is well-pos- itioned to help our members find the collaborators they need. Of course, we have larger in-person events like the recent Farm Tax and Legal Update (the largest in CAFA’s history), but we also have a robust chapter system to support members and help them find other professionals who they might need in service of their clients. Our chapter meetings are more than just calendar events. In-person gatherings foster the kind of trust and connection that can’t be replicated online. Meeting in person allows us to build relationships, ask better questions, and explore solutions to emerging problems that can only be solved with real engagement and real conversations with like-minded professionals. Years ago, you may have been able to differentiate your services by “what we know.” I don’t think that’s the case anymore. “Who we know” is fast be- coming an important commodity and tool that enables us to provide the best advice possible to our clients. This year, we’re going to listen to your feedback and uncover ways to simplify and enhance your in-person chapter experience. I encourage each of you to lean into your local chapter, attend events, and reach out to fellow members. It’s what happens be- tween the in-person meetings that helps build and strengthen relationships. The strength of CAFA lies in our connections. Let’s continue to build a community where know- ledge and ideas flow freely, sup- port is available, and our shared commitment to Canadian agricul- ture remains front and center. Thank you for being part of CAFA. I look forward to the conversations ahead. Chair, Canadian Association of Farm Advisors Portfolio Manager, Raymond James Years ago, you may have been able to differentiate your services by “what we know.” I don’t think that’s the case anymore. “Who we know” is fast becoming an important commodity and tool that enables us to provide the best advice possible to our clients. Connect with CAFA Instagram: BlueSky: LinkedIn: 6 The Canadian Association of Farm AdvisorsTrusted, Connected, Canadian 7 Executive Director’s Message Rooted in community, growing through collaboration This has been a year of real change and progress. Farm advising in Canada keeps shifting, and the people doing this work keep showing up. Our community has stayed focused on what matters most: helping farmers make informed decisions. What we are building together is a network of people who know their work and care about getting it right; people who understand that the success of Canadian farms de- pends on passion, community, and good solid advice. A big part of that work happens in person. Local chap- ter meetings are where real connections are made. They give you a chance to share what you know, learn from others, and stay current with the issues that matter most in your region. These gatherings are also how you grow your network and be seen as a leader in your field. The strength of CAFA comes from members showing up, talking through real problems, and finding better ways move forward together. As we move ahead, the goals are simple: keep learning, keep sharing, and keep showing up for your clients and your peers. Every time you do, you help make this com- munity stronger and more valuable for everyone involved. We hope this year’s Cultivating Business is a clear example of the expertise we have! Please consider sharing with clients, colleagues, and socially on LinkedIn to improve the publication’s reach and our community’s voice. Thank you for being part of this work and for supporting Canadian farm families through your expertise, time, and care. We hope to see you at a local chapter meeting soon! Executive Director, Canadian Association of Farm Advisors8 The Canadian Association of Farm Advisors CONNECT WITH CAFA IN 2026!Trusted, Connected, Canadian 9 CAFA Membership Offers: • Access to ongoing farm-focused continuing professional development and learning opportunities; • Network with colleagues who share a passion for supporting farms and farm families; • Local chapter meetings with community connections and events; • Discounted conference attendance; and • Increased industry exposure: ◊ The opportunity for inclusion in our annual publication Cultivating Business; ◊ Inclusion in our online membership directory; and ◊ Opportunities to become a thought leader with speaking and publishing opportunities. A membership application is available on CAFA’s website: https://cafanet.ca/assoc_subscribe.asp For Producers: CAFA members are the most valuable and trusted advisors in Canada. They deliver value to farm clients through continuous learning, improved skills, stronger net- works and a passion for agriculture. Whether you are looking for assistance with: • A farm loan; • Someone to help set-up your operation; • Writing contracts; • Transitioning your farm; • Managing risk; or • Someone to get the family communicating… CAFA’s members can help! They are experts on everything related to assisting farm families and farm businesses. A directory of CAFA members is available online and it’s free to access. Search by location and/or need! https://cafanet.ca//af_memberDirectory_custom.asp Canada’s farm advisors join CAFA to be in the company of their peers who are the best in the business. CAFA is the only national network of farm advisors in Canada! CONNECT WITH CAFA IN 2026! For more information: Tel: (204) 381-6313 info@cafanet.ca Photos courtesy of Jules Brodeur Photography.Next >