Dec 8, 2022

Purdue workshops to focus on generational transitions

To successfully guide farm operations from generation to generation, farm owners and families need plans for where they are going and knowledge of how they will fund that transition. The Purdue Extension Succession Planning Team is hosting workshops along with individualized sessions to help strategically structure a farm succession plan.

The Jan. 12-Feb. 2 “Farming Together: Cultivating Relationships and Having the Cash to Bring in the Next Generation” workshops are daylong events scheduled for 10 Indiana locations. Each session will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A local lawyer will be available at each of the regional meetings. After the workshop, families can schedule virtual guidance sessions for individualized discussions with the Purdue team and collaborators to discuss topics of their choice.

The team currently offers programming through regional workshops, succession planning presentations and farm family consultations. The workshops are made possible through a grant from North Central Extension Risk Management Education.

“Farm owners often want to start with legal matters associated with transition planning. However, farm families need to find consensus on their goals and where they envision the operation moving in the future first,” Renee Wiatt, Purdue family business management specialist, said in a news release. “A large part of agreeing on goals and future vision for the farm can be achieved through relationships and communication, as well as knowing where to start.”

The workshops are $30 per person, with lunch included. Registration is available online.

The Purdue Succession Planning Team, composed of Purdue Extension educators and specialists, seeks to address the needs of families planning the continuation of farm businesses.

The workshop locations are scheduled for:

• Jan. 12: Mooresville Public Library Community Room, 220 W. Harrison St., Mooresville.
• Jan. 17: Purdue Extension Clay County Office, 6656 N. State Road 59, Brazil.
• Jan. 19: Purdue Extension Bartholomew County Office, 783 S. Marr Road, Columbus.
• Jan. 19 (Central time): Hopewell Mennonite Church, 805 N. Main St., Kouts.
• Jan. 25: Kokomo Public Library, 120 East Mulberry St., Room 100, Kokomo.
• Jan. 26: Purdue Extension Wayne County Office, 861 Salisbury Road, Richmond.
• Jan. 26: White County Fairgrounds, 12 N. 25 E., Reynolds.
• Jan. 26: Purdue Extension Harrison County Office, 247 Atwood St., Corydon.
• Feb. 1: Spencer County Youth & Community Center, 1101 E. County Road 800 N., Chrisney.
• Feb. 2: Huntington University Habecker Dining Commons, 502 Lake St., Huntington.