FOR FARMING FAMILIES

Who belongs in the farm succession conversation?

Some people in a farming family feel they've lost their say in the farm's future. The sibling who moved away. The one who married into the family. The child who was never seen as the successor.

Every one of them belongs in the farm succession conversation, and each has a first step to take.

If you've moved away

You moved to the city and feel you've lost your right to a say. You haven't.

You still belong in this conversation. Engage from a distance if that's what works. Your outside perspective might be the most useful one in the room.

If you're not the natural successor

Sometimes one child is seen as the natural successor, and everyone else is secondary. Or you simply don't think you deserve a seat at the table.

You belong here. Your view matters as much as anyone's.

If you're the one who's done the work

One child has done the hard yards for twenty years. Another visits twice a year. The sweat equity is undocumented, unacknowledged, and deeply resented.

That needs naming early. A letter to your brothers and sisters can open it up before anyone talks to your parents:

(Your siblings' names),

I'd like us to talk about the farm before it becomes a crisis.

I've been working this place for years now. I love it and I want it to have a future. But Mum and Dad's situation is going to force decisions eventually, and I'd rather we made them together.

I'm not writing to claim more than my share. I think we can find something fair for all of us.

Can we get together? Before we talk to Mum and Dad, I think it would help if we were on the same page.

(Your name)

If you married in

Partners can feel dismissed because they're not blood. But you married in, and you can see what needs to happen.

You can raise it without overstepping. Share what you've read with your partner, and let them decide whether to take it further.

If you've been waiting for your partner

Share The Cultivate Farms Succession Guide with them and say: "I think this could help us." That's enough to open the door.

If saying it is too hard, write it:

(Your partner's name),

I know you don't want to talk about this. I understand the farm is everything to you.

But I love you, and I've been watching you carry this weight for too long. You're tired. The farm is getting harder.

I found this guide that lays out the options. There are ways to stay on the farm and make sure the place is looked after without giving up everything.

Would you read it? For me?

(Your name)

If you're the farmer

If you're not ready, start by picturing the farm five years from now, with a plan and without one. Then decide. Nobody is pushing you off your farm.

If you are ready, start the planning, and invite your family in to work through it with you. A few lines can open the door:

Dear (your children's names),

I've been putting this off too long.

I want to talk about the farm. Not to decide anything, just to start. I've been reading about what other families have done.

I want to know what you really want. If you want to farm, I want to hear your plan. If you don't, I need to know so I can plan accordingly. Whatever you want is OK.

Can we find a time? I'll bring the tea.

Love, Dad (or Mum)

Every person needs to feel heard for the plan to hold.

The full guide, The Cultivate Farms Succession Guide, is free at cultivatefarms.com/resources.

You can build your own plan at cultivatefarms.com/plan.