Articles
Lay the Groundwork for Succession
December 18, 2010 in Succession and Estate Planning
Family business consultants often suggest that families in business adopt a policy encouraging farm kids to go to college or technical school, and then work somewhere else for a few years before...
The Power of Recognition
December 18, 2010 in Management Issues in Family Business
As busy season arrives, the focus turns toward long hours, back-to-back client meetings, stacks (or electronic drawers) of files, and the frantic pace of filing deadlines.
Boost the Next Generation’s Success
November 18, 2010 in Succession and Estate Planning
Requiring an off-farm apprenticeship will build appreciation for home-farm experience and broaden a successors skill set.
Prenuptial Agreements
October 18, 2010 in Conflict Resolution and Communication in Family Business
Before the Wedding, Talk About Prenups
Estate Planning - Don't Wait for Congress
September 18, 2010 in Succession and Estate Planning
Perhaps you've heard the saying that goes something like this: What's the opposite of the word "pro"? To which most people answer, of course, "con." So what's the opposite of progress? Congress! When...
Using an Outsider
August 18, 2010 in Conflict Resolution and Communication in Family Business
As I've facilitated business meetings over the last few years, more and more families are inviting a respected peer to sit in on the discussion and offer feedback and guidance. Families see the...
A Parent’s Guide to Handing Off the Farm
July 18, 2010 in Succession and Estate Planning
Sharing decision-making is key to preparing the next generation for ownership.
A Different Kind of Risk
March 18, 2010 in Conflict Resolution and Communication in Family Business
Farming and ranching today have plenty of "hard risk," that is, those tangible elements that make such a difference in whether one has a good year or a bad year.
How to Handle a Bum Brother
March 18, 2010 in Conflict Resolution and Communication in Family Business
While fisticuffs do happen, farming families would be more productive to deal with any conflicts before it gets to that point
