When Risk in a Crisis Becomes a Turning Point: Lessons from Top Producers
03/20/2026
Angie Stump Denton, in a recent AgWeb article on succession planning for farmers, reviewed a recent panel discussion from the 2026 Top Producer Conference. The panelists included: Edward and Rebecca Dalton, of Dalton Farms, Wakeman, Ohio; Chris Payne of 3B Hay & Straw, Ontario, Ore.; Wendy Alsum Dykstra and Heidi Alsum Randall of Alsum Farms and Produce, Friesland, Wis.; and Ron Rabou of Rabou Farms, Albin, Wyo.
The panel was moderated by Rena Striegel , president of Transition Point Business Advisors in West Des Moines, Iowa. Rabou and Striegel are both members of ASAC.
The unique context of this panel is how all of the panelists used “crisis as a catalyst” to force a complete re-evaluation of the future of their operations. Each had a situation that required significant change in the design and focus of their business. Their stories are all very compelling and a must read for any producer struggling to develop a long-term strategy that helps ensure the business will be viable for another generation.
Five realities of their situations helped them achieve the necessary changes:
The bottom line from these Top Producers:
Across all their stories, the panelists echoed a few core principles:
For the full article, go to: https://www.agweb.com/news/business/when-risk-crisis-becomes-turning-point-lessons-top-producers
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This article is the opinion and perspective of the author and may or may not be consistent with those of other ASAC Members. Endorsement of specific items or strategies mentioned in the article is not an endorsement of the individual, the company or the organization from which it originates. ASAC as an organization does not advocate opinions or positions on issues.
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Don Tyler
Tyler and Associates
ASAC VP/Secretary
Angie Stump Denton, in a recent AgWeb article on succession planning for farmers, reviewed a recent panel discussion from the 2026 Top Producer Conference. The panelists included: Edward and Rebecca Dalton, of Dalton Farms, Wakeman, Ohio; Chris Payne of 3B Hay & Straw, Ontario, Ore.; Wendy Alsum Dykstra and Heidi Alsum Randall of Alsum Farms and Produce, Friesland, Wis.; and Ron Rabou of Rabou Farms, Albin, Wyo.
The panel was moderated by Rena Striegel , president of Transition Point Business Advisors in West Des Moines, Iowa. Rabou and Striegel are both members of ASAC.
The unique context of this panel is how all of the panelists used “crisis as a catalyst” to force a complete re-evaluation of the future of their operations. Each had a situation that required significant change in the design and focus of their business. Their stories are all very compelling and a must read for any producer struggling to develop a long-term strategy that helps ensure the business will be viable for another generation.
Five realities of their situations helped them achieve the necessary changes:
- Crisis as a Catalyst, Not a Dead End
- Numbers Matter—But They Aren’t Everything
- Fear vs. Action: Moving When the Windows Open
- Cyberattacks, COVID-19 and the Power of Systems
- Relationships as a Strategic Asset
The bottom line from these Top Producers:
Across all their stories, the panelists echoed a few core principles:
- Know your numbers but also know your values.
- Act in crisis — don’t let fear make the choice for you.
- Be willing to pivot, even away from something profitable, if it no longer fits your life or strategy.
- Invest in appreciating assets and in relationships, both of which can pay off long after the crisis has passed.
For the full article, go to: https://www.agweb.com/news/business/when-risk-crisis-becomes-turning-point-lessons-top-producers
= = = = =
This article is the opinion and perspective of the author and may or may not be consistent with those of other ASAC Members. Endorsement of specific items or strategies mentioned in the article is not an endorsement of the individual, the company or the organization from which it originates. ASAC as an organization does not advocate opinions or positions on issues.
= = = = =
Don Tyler
Tyler and Associates
ASAC VP/Secretary
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