Secure your farm future - join UW-Madison workshop

By Blake Jackson

Dreaming of a smooth transition for your farm? Wondering how to ensure its legacy for generations to come? Look no further than UW-Madison Extension's Cultivating Your Farm's Future workshop series! 

This comprehensive program equips farm families with the tools and resources to navigate the three crucial steps of farm succession planning: 

• Where are you now? Assess your current farm business and family dynamics. 
• Where do you want to be? Define your vision for the future of the farm. 
• How do you get there? Develop a concrete action plan to achieve your goals. 

Whether you're the owner seeking a seamless transfer or the next generation eager to contribute, this workshop series caters to all. Multigenerational participation is encouraged, fostering open communication and understanding. 

What's on the menu? 

• Mastering communication: Learn how to navigate sensitive conversations about the farm's future. 
• Facing common tensions: Understand and address challenges inherent in farm succession. 
• Crafting fair inheritance plans: Explore options beyond "equal" distribution. 
• Financial planning: Gain insights into financial aspects of farm succession. 
• SWOT analysis: Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. 
• Structuring your farm business: Discover suitable business models for succession. 
• Setting goals and charting your course: Develop actionable steps to reach your vision. 
• Building your succession team: Connect with professionals to guide your journey. 

Flexibility is key: Choose from two convenient schedules: 

• Wednesdays, noon – 1:30 p.m.: Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14, and 21 
• Thursdays, 6 – 7:30 p.m.: Feb. 1, 8, 15, and 22 

Join the virtual sessions from anywhere via Zoom! Each week, prepare for engaging discussions and activities with insightful homework assignments delivered through email. Hard copies of program materials will be mailed out before the first session. 

Invest in your farm's future: 

• Registration Fee: $100/farm (includes one workbook, materials, videos, and live sessions). 
• Additional workbooks: $15 each (encourage family participation!). 

Register by Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, to secure your spot and receive materials in time. Register online at https://uwmadison.eventsair.com/farm24/reg

Photo Credit: pexels-fauxels