Farm transition, succession, and estate planning are some of the most important topics I feel we face in agriculture, yet they are too often not prioritized. Life is so short and there’s no guarantee of tomorrow.

Communication is one of the most important first steps in this process, but sometimes we all need a little help in how to communicate with family members and what topics to communicate about.

An upcoming program called “Returning to the Farm or Ranch” is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 26 at the Extension office in Lincoln, 444 Cherrycreek Road. Participants will hear from agricultural law, tax and financial professionals, while also engaging in activities focused on communication, goal setting and long-term planning. The event is part of ongoing efforts by the Center for Agricultural Profitability and the Nebraska Land Link program to support agricultural producers, landowners and beginning farmers across Nebraska.

“Transition planning in agriculture often involves more than legal documents and financial decisions,” Anastasia Meyer, Extension Ag Economist said. “It also requires families to communicate openly about goals, expectations and the future of the operation. This workshop will provide practical guidance for those beginning the process, as well as those looking to strengthen an existing plan.”

Topics will include: Estate and transition planning; Family communication strategies; Goal setting for the operation and family; Building a professional transition team; Financial and legal considerations; and Identifying next steps for succession planning.

Returning to the Farm or Ranch is intended for farm and ranch families at all stages of the transition process, including operations without a formal succession plan already in place. Families are encouraged to bring all relevant stakeholders to the workshop. The registration fee is $85 per person if pre-registered, or $100 at the door. Lunch will be provided. Registration is open through June 26 at: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xAPQGhOJLkyxIGKu-ItszXfqsJvZFaJJsPVUUVntov5UMlFWV0ZRTU05TTBRUEMxMkpLSEVIRFBOSS4u.

Introductory Farm/Ranch Transition Workshops:

Prior to Returning to the Farm or Ranch on June 26, families are encouraged to attend Getting Started with Estate and Succession Planning, a one-hour pre-workshop designed to help agricultural families better understand the estate and succession planning process and navigate conversations around the future of their operation. There is no additional cost to attend the one-hour workshops and they are open to anyone, regardless of whether you plan to attend the full-day program on June 26. 

The free introductory Getting Started with Estate and Succession Planning workshop will be offered online and in-person in Lincoln on two different dates, with registration required:

• Virtual Workshop: Getting Started with Estate and Succession Planning, Wed., June 17, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Central Time. Register for the virtual workshop.
   
• In-Person Workshop: Getting Started with Estate and Succession Planning, Thurs., June 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Central Time at the Extension office in Lancaster County, 444 Cherrycreek Road, in Lincoln. Register for the in-person workshop.