Farming is a vital role in society, producing enough food to feed not only every person but livestock as well. This places a big pressure on the shoulder of each farm in that their yearly crop needs to be plentiful. So why not pass some of the responsibility onto someone else? A farm hand is […]
The success and continuity of family businesses are the cornerstones of the American dream. It usually starts with a married couple building a business and later adding the grown children. Part of this dream is passing a thriving business down from generation to generation. What if, however, the children do not have the same vision […]
Planning your farm legacy is a very personal process. The plan involves all your financial information, as well as all the family dynamics that go into running a family farm. Laying it all on the table and dealing with the reality of tax laws is the only way to make wise decisions for the future. […]
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Establishing Farm Family Boundaries
Living and working on a family farm is a dream for many people, but is the reality becoming a nightmare? There are many benefits to working side by side with your family, but it is also easy for boundary lines to be crossed and fences broken. It is important to keep lines of communication open […]
Creating a detailed estate plan for the family farm is an essential component to building a successful operation. There are many aspects to consider when determining how to sustain farm operations without alienating members of the family. Three common solutions for keeping harmony and assets intact include purchase options and willing the land to heirs. […]
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2 Tips for Farm Widows
When operating a farm with your spouse, as unfortunate as it is, there will be a day when one of you is left to operate the farm on your own. For farm widows, this can become an overwhelming task. That is why it is especially important to have a plan for passing your farm from […]
Once high school hits, it can be particularly challenging to keep your teenager’s interest in the family farm. Kids at this age are more likely to distance themselves from home life as they look elsewhere for new social pursuits and interests. While it’s a natural part of adolescence, it’s still hard to see a child […]
Traditionally the decision maker on a family farm is the founder. This model worked for many generations, but when you are looking to keep the farm in the family, a collaborative style where decision making power is shared can create a stronger business plan. The following ideas can help you take a closer look at […]
Communication is quintessential to all successful businesses, including your family farm. However, it can also be one of the most difficult parts of engaging with others in a business setting. By making ourselves aware of communication needs, we can communicate more effectively for the benefit of not only our operation but also our relationships. After […]
With all of the technology available nowadays, it’s harder than ever to keep kids focused. How will they ever be interested in farming if they don’t even go outside? The key is to get the kids involved early and often, so they will feel a sense of responsibility and pride in the work they do. […]
