Recently, I facilitated the “Leaving a Lasting Legacy” program conducted by the Women in Ag program. This four-part series was an eye-opening experience. Kicking off the program were two women in agriculture who both suffered the painful losses of a spouse, leaving them both young widows. This left them both as single parents to raise their children solo and the difficulty navigating all the difficult decisions involved in an agricultural operation. Working through the legality issues of property ownership, having access to accounts and so much more behind more of a burden than most can imagine. The program continued with strategies for creating a succession and transition plan, which are different. Working through family communication and relationship dynamics, decision-making, and understanding steps to take before the loss of a family member occurs were all key factors of the program.
An intense program designed for families to attend together will be coming to Hastings soon which will dig even deeper into the above-mentioned topics. The Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will present Returning to the Farm 2025, a workshop series for families who are in the transition process of bringing members back to the farm or ranch. It will begin with a two-day workshop for multi-generational families on March 7 and 8, at Central Community College in Hastings. The series also includes two follow-up workshops, to be held virtually after the in-person meetings.
The series assists families and agricultural operations with developing financial plans and successful working arrangements to meet their unique needs. It will guide families in developing estate and transition plans, setting personal and professional goals, and improving the communication process between family members.
Presenters will include extension experts as well as agribusiness and legal professionals. During the program, participants will:
- Learn communication strategies
- Set both personal and professional goals
- Develop a farm or ranch transition plan
- Identify estate planning issues and develop effective strategies for planning
- Review financial feasibility and financial tools
The workshop fee is $75 per person on or before Feb. 28. March 1, the fee increases to $85 per person. Registration includes dinner on March 7 and lunch on March 8. It also includes two follow-up workshops, to be held virtually March 18 & April 8, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Central Time. Hotel accommodations are not included.
Views from VanDeWalle 