62: A Farm Mom's Transition Insights

In this episode, I sit down with dairy farmer Denise Angst for an honest and encouraging conversation about navigating farm transition in real time — while life, loss, and change are all happening at once. Together, we explore how clarity, communication, and respect across generations can turn uncertainty into opportunity. We talk about why starting with simple family meetings matters, how fairness looks different than equality, and what it takes for parents to let go while still providing stability and support.  Denise also reflects on her own personal growth journey, the courage it takes to ask hard questions early, and why investing in yourself as a farm woman strengthens the entire family business. If you're wondering how to begin succession conversations, how to support multiple children with different paths, or how to move forward without having everything perfectly figured out, this episode offers a hopeful, practical look at what's possible — one conversation at a time. "Different is not wrong. It's just different. The younger generation needs to respect the older generation, and we need to respect the younger generation. Let them talk about their ideas."  – Denise Angst Resources Mentioned During This Episode Wellington County Transition Planning Resources: https://www.wellington.ca/business-development/environment-agriculture/transition-planning Empowe-HER-ed Book Order Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXeW38zQC6WXvtoTglv009a9_pTS8vrtgGcxtEQGdooLKz5g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102144042538019289024 Retreat Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMY86Wg0SDWMRuJp1BWLxtk-nsvIs-iPuEhUO4XMHpIAeToQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102144042538019289024 Linktree for all Connections: https://linktr.ee/denisemyjourney  About Our Guest Denise Angst is a dairy farm partner who built a dairy farm business with her husband after immigrating from Switzerland in 1997. She is a proud mother of three grown children — two sons and a daughter — and values the journey of raising her family while remaining deeply rooted in the community. Along the way, Denise drove a school bus for 15 years and volunteered in various roles, always giving back where she could.  Over the past nine years, her commitment to personal growth has led her to become a first-time author, contributing a published chapter about how she found the strength to put herself first, and she is now preparing to host her third women's retreat.  Recently, Denise transitioned into an office administration role, drawing on decades of farm office experience. By stepping off the farm's daily operations, she is intentionally creating space for the next generation to take on leadership and office responsibilities, while continuing to guide and support the farm's succession with confidence and strength. Contact Denise Follow Denise on Facebook Follow Denise on Instagram Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. Visit the podcast website SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - explore