Planning for the Farm's Future and Yours

Are you prepared for the day when your farmland passes hands? It is estimated that 70% of farmland in America will transfer ownership in the next 15-20 years. Developing a plan for transferring management, operations and assets is important to you and your family. A well-developed succession plan can strengthen the business and work with existing estate plans and wills.

On March 14-16, Wesley Tucker, University of Missouri Farm Business Specialist will talk about the five steps to transition farm ownership and management, strategies to navigate family and business roles, and how to deal with sensitive issues and family dynamics. Monica McConkey, Mental Health Counselor, Minnesota will provide conflict resolution strategies and considerations for generational differences in communication. Tucker and McConkey have over 40 years of firsthand experience working with families. In addition, Haley Jones, AgrAbility Coordinator of Illinois will discuss the services and programs provided by Illinois AgrAbilty, Illinois Extension.

 

SIU School of Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Services Development’s Farm Family Resource Initiative is hosting the discussions with agriculture partners Jefferson, McDonough and Sangamon County Farm Bureaus.

Invite your farm friends and loved ones to join us at one of three locations:

• 6 p.m. March 14 at the Farm Credit Building, Mt. Vernon

• 6:30 p.m. March 15 at the Sangamon County Farm Bureau, Springfield

• 6:30 p.m. March 16 at the Spoon River Conference Center, Macomb 

To register visit: siumed.edu/farm or call 618-713-0759.

These events are provided at no cost due to financial support for this series is provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and the Illinois Department of Agriculture in cooperation with USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development (CRHSSD) is leading the effort to build a network of support and resources for Illinois farm families. The purpose of the initiative is to provide a range of resources including a helpline to assist with farmer and farm-related issues that include mental and physical health needs. Additionally, the initiative offers ongoing outreach, education and training to rural clients and partners working to improve the health and safety of farm families.