We are approaching that wonderful time of year when many families gather for the holiday season. It is a great opportunity to address retirement and wealth transfer goals of parents, the needs of on-farm children, and sibilings or heirs who are not interested in living or working on the farm in the future.

Few challenges facing family farmers are more important than passing the business on to the next generation. Discussing options, making plans for the future, and sharing goals within the family is a good starting point. Of course this is easier said than done.

Good communication is a vital link in the success of the farming business. Here are some suggestions:

When speaking, be brief, but be specific

Don’t accuse, insult or blame

Try to be positive, constructive and willing to compromise

Be willing to listen

The entire family should have a role

Three main areas of discussion include:

Transfer of labor

Transfer of management and decision-making (control), and

Transfer of ownership (the actual assets)

The future of Kansas family farming lies in our current generation’s ability to effectively transition their farm business assets to the next generation of producers, either within their families or without.

It is time.

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