Farm ChallengesFarm succession is one of the toughest conversations a family can have. Parents want to keep things fair, but fairness doesn’t always mean splitting everything equally. In fact, dividing up farm assets equally among children can often destroy the very operation they’ve worked a lifetime to build.
If one child has dedicated decades of their life to working on the farm—making sacrifices, taking financial risks, and shaping their future around the promise of taking over—should they really be treated the same as siblings who chose a different path?
Some parents hesitate to make tough decisions, hoping to keep family harmony by splitting everything evenly. But in reality, this often leads to resentment, legal battles, and even the downfall of the farm itself.
Some parents try to solve this issue by giving the farming child "operational control" while dividing the assets equally. But without ownership of the land, equipment, and resources they’ve worked for, they’re left vulnerable. If their non-farming siblings decide to sell their shares, take cash payouts, or dispute decisions, the future of the farm becomes unstable.
Farm succession should not be focused on keeping the peace—it’s focus should be on ensuring that the operation survives for future generations. That means making clear, decisive plans that reflect the contributions of those who have put in the work.
It’s never an easy conversation, but avoiding it only makes things worse. Be proactive. Be clear. And above all, make sure your decisions protect the legacy you’ve spent a lifetime building.
