The Family Farm Survival Guide

Running a farm is bloody hard work and the chances are that if you’ve reached this page then you and your family have already survived a lot – and not just from the continual challenges thrown at you by mother nature.

The last thing anyone wants is for a family to be torn apart over what should be the passing on of generations of wealth, love, lifestyle and let’s face it – blood, sweat and tears.

In this guide, we explore the four big questions around family farm survival:

• When do we really need to be thinking about long-term, inter-generational survival?
• Who does this affect?
• What are we going to do about it and what does “fair” really look like?
• How on earth are we going to do this?

When do you need to think about long-term, inter-generational survival?

“You need to do the strategic thinking as you go along in life, rather than at the end. Perhaps it should be called a life plan rather than a succession plan.”

Who…does it affect?

“There are usually a number of family members who could be affected by family farm succession from husband and wife, to their children, grandchildren and in-laws.”

What are you going to do about it & what does “fair” really look like?

“As in any negotiation, there are many compromises that can be made when coming up with a plan that satisfies divergent needs, and timing can often be a useful tool in reaching these compromises.”