In 2014, the average age of a farmer in the United States is 57 years old, yet more individuals continue to farm well past 65 years of age. With the larger value of many farms and ranches today, how will you make sure of a successful transition of the family Farm to the next generation?
On Monday, Oct. 27, Women on the Farm will be hosting their 2nd workshop “Passing on the Farm – Steps to a Successful Transition”. Speaker will be Gregg Hadley, current assistant director for agriculture, natural resources and community development for K-State Research and Extension. A popular speaker on and facilitator of farm succession planning, he says that while every farm or ranch situation is different, all should have a succession plan in place. Dr. Hadley has found through his career in dealing with farm management and succession issues, there are several common beliefs that may be true, but others are misconceptions.
The workshop will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on October 27, at the Great Bend Recreation Commission, 1214 Stone Street in the Burn Side Meeting Room. Seating is limited so pre-registration is appreciated by Oct. 21st. Pre-register on our face book page WOMEN ON THE FARM or with Rush County Conservation District at 785-222-2615 Ext. 101.
Every family member is invited and encouraged to attend this important workshop. Having a detailed plan, and ensuring that all interested parties are involved in the process, can help insure that the next generation, be it the children going back to the farm, or the siblings that are not farming, can be heard and the subsequent succession may go smoothly for all parties. After all, what is a family farm, without the family that goes with it?
Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Barton County K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910