69: A New Way to Help Farm Divorce

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew DeRuyck, farmer, mediator, and farm management specialist, for a conversation about navigating divorce, conflict, and financial uncertainty in farm families. Drawing on decades of experience in both mediation and farm business consulting, Andrew shares how communication breakdowns, financial complexity, and unmet expectations can put enormous strain on relationships.  Together, we explore the importance of finding common ground, improving financial literacy, and creating workable solutions that protect both people and the farm. We also discuss why listening matters, how trust impacts decision-making, and the role mediation can play in helping families move forward with greater clarity and less conflict. If you or someone you know is facing relationship challenges, separation, or difficult financial conversations on the farm, this episode is for you. "When a marriage is struggling, the first place I go is common ground. Why did you get married in the first place, and how did you end up here?" - Andrew DeRuyck Resources Mentioned During This Episode Farm Family Coach National Farmers Mental Health Alliance When Sorry Is Not Enough, by Dr. Gary Chapman About Our Guest Andrew is a mediator, financial consultant, and farmer in southern Manitoba. He has worked for Farm Debt Mediation Service for over 20 years. Andrew and his wife Tanis began farming full-time in 2001 and were named Manitoba's outstanding young farmer of the year in 2011. He has a degree in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba and has worked for FCC, CIBC, and various chemical companies. Andrew now specializes in farm finances, divorces, and agricultural mediations. Contact Andrew Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. Visit the podcast website SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - explore Farm Transition Coaching MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here Farm Family Coach Social Media Links Facebook <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/farmf