Extension Agent for Agriculture
Kansas farm and ranch families are always looking at best options for feasibility and profitability. They attend educational meetings, try out new practices, assess any risks involved and talk with their neighbors or consultants. They make numerous day-to-day decisions that affect their operations both now and in the future.
Sustainability of a farm or ranch also depends on whether a family has planned for succession. The average age of U.S. producers continues to rise and families will need to explore options for the transitional feasibility of current and future operators. Succession planning is a step-by-step process in which families work together to develop a plan to incorporate the next owner and pass on knowledge and resources that will sustain the operation.
Farm and ranch families may be uncertain how to begin developing a succession plan and may need guidance moving forward. This is where a succession planning facilitator plays a key role.
The facilitator can help the family identify strengths, barriers and opportunities as they pass the farm business on to the next generation. They guide family members to resources and individuals who can help them find the information they need to develop an effective succession plan with help from facilitators and mediators from Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services, a program administered by K-State Research and Extension.
A facilitated meeting is described as guiding participants through shared discussions about important issues. Facilitators help families set an agenda and guide the process for planning their succession. The facilitator works to enable all voices to be heard within a respectful environment. While the facilitator remains neutral with the content of the discussion, they help everyone keep track of the substantive issues and options raised by the family as they chart their path forward.
Trained facilitators have experience working with Kansas farm and ranch families. They offer guidance and support as families cultivate options for creating a succession plan. Facilitation services can be requested by calling Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services at 800-321-3276.
Families may also visit the succession planning website and navigate through a variety of resources, such as Transition Planning: 12 Steps to Keep the Family Farming and more topic-focused areas such as estate planning or FamilyTALK. The website is available at Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services.
