Transition planning is never easy or simple, but some cases are much harder than others. If you are at an impasse, it may be time to evaluate the consequences of continuing with a transition plan so you can make the hard decision sooner rather than later.

It’s an exciting time when the next generation determines that they are going to pursue a career on the farm.

Leading any business is extremely challenging. If the business is a family business, the level of difficulty is increased, and if you intend for it to be a multigenerational business, the difficulty is even greater still.

“Wheat has been my bread and butter most of my life, and I wanted to give something back,” says the newest member of the Idaho Wheat Commission, Cliff Tacke. He was appointed District 2 commissioner in 2023, after a lifetime of farming near Greencreek.

Most family farm and ranch owners hope that their operation will continue into the next generation. However, accomplishing this goal doesn’t just happen on its own. A well-drafted estate plan is essential, especially for agricultural operations.

Farm succession planning is a critical topic that often gets brushed under the rug due to a variety of emotional and practical reasons. Families and farmowners may avoid discussing succession because of deeply rooted values, fear of mortality and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

Twenty-five years ago, I would have told you that topics like self confidence and insecurities were a bunch of fluff. However, I’ve been through a lot and can tell you that it is the soft issues that become hard problems in farming.

When someone hears “estate plan” they generally think “will.” However, for today, I want to focus on the other estate documents beyond a will – there are many!