When siblings inherit the family farm without an agreed-upon succession plan, it can be no surprise when conflict ensues.
Perhaps one brother wants to keep operating the farm as mom and dad always did. Yet a sister has new management ideas for additional crops and product. Even worse, another sibling doesn’t want to own a farm at all. Rather, he wants the income once the family farm is sold now that mom and dad are no longer living.
Farm succession planning is a stressful time in any family’s lives, and when siblings have different ideas on which directions to take, it can lead to increased conflict. But succession planning doesn’t have to be a nightmare, and it doesn’t have to leave a once close-knit family split at the seams. Parents need to lead the charge before there is a need to hand over the farm.
First key to avoiding sibling conflict is to communicate what parents hope will happen with the farm once they are no longer running it. But also being realistic is key. If only one sibling wants to continue the farm but in a different way, say switching to small organic farming rather than the large-scale operation that’s always existed, parents need to listen. What’s more important? That the farm be run only your way or any way?
Keeping communication going through regular family meetings where all siblings can equally share their opinion is a good way to gain buy-in for a future use of the farm. Talking one-on-one can be helpful, but making sure not to isolate or pit one sibling over another is equally important.
Once a plan is in place, document what you all have agreed upon. Make it legal as much as you can so that in the end there’s no question who gets the farm, what operations will take place and how ownership income will be divided among siblings not running the farm. Farms are big business and much of the family inheritance can be tied up in assets, land value and stock.
Finally, check back periodically and update plans as necessary. Times change, and so do people. What once seemed like a great idea may no longer work given the economy or even personal desires. What’s important is that a continual dialogue keep happening where dad, mom and siblings feel valued for who they are and what they can contribute to the protection of the family farm.
Conflicts may still occur and siblings may find the stress of it all too much. But following these steps can limit those possibilities.
For more information or to speak with an advisor, contact AgriLegacy, which has been helping family farmers for more than 10 years.
