Families must communicate, both internally and externally, for the transition planning process to flow smoothly. If advisers are not kept abreast of discussions and potential decisions, they cannot provide valuable input. | Getty Images

Face the common challenges in early transition planning

On the long list of to-do’s for farm managers and families, transition planning is often near the bottom. This is a common challenge faced by farm families, especially early in the process. Knowing the challenge ahead of time, understanding that you aren’t alone in facing it, and having some tools in your back pocket to […] Read more


Communication and involvement are highly correlated with positive planning experiences for all stakeholders. Early adoption of formal communication can mitigate potential conflict and leverage the contributions from the non-farming members. | Getty Images

Transition planning needs non-farming family members

The non-farming members of a farming family can be a great resource and important contributors to the transition planning process. However, communication and involvement are highly correlated with positive planning experiences for all stakeholders. Early adoption of formal communication can mitigate potential conflict and leverage the contributions from the non-farming members. Non-farming family members have […] Read more

While no two transition plans are alike, there are commonalities among lots of families and farms that manage through this important stage of the business lifecycle. | Getty Images

Use care and intention when forming a transition team

No two transition plans are the same. That is obvious to anyone who has read about the subject or has partially or completely navigated through the process. However, there are commonalities among lots of families and farms that manage through this important stage of the business lifecycle. One of those is that you will likely […] Read more


Most farms approach transition planning like a task; a single event or point in time that needs attention. While this approach can work, it can be improved, and doing so will likely provide long-term benefits. | Getty Images

Transition planning best if it is made part of farm’s routine

In a perfect world, transition planning for management and ownership is built into the long-term planning of a farm. However, most farms approach it like a task; a single event or point in time that needs attention. While this approach can work, it can be improved, and doing so will likely provide long-term benefits. I’ve […] Read more

A farm management consultant says debt taken on now can affect short and medium term decisions for years to come, so they need to fit the farm’s priorities.  |  Getty Images

VIDEO: Debt decisions need strategy

WINNIPEG — With interest rates swinging around like apes in the jungle, farmers might feel a lot of pressure to react to their debt and financing situations. But debt and financing decisions today will have a long-term impact, so farmers should be tying decisions to the strategic vision for their operations, Backswath Management consultant Gavin […] Read more