University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

November 21, 2006

Workshop emphasizes planning for success of handing down family farms

 A University of Nebraska-Lincoln workshop Dec. 1-2 and Jan. 5-6 will help students, young farmers and parents face the challenges associated with handing down the family farm. Returning to the Farm, to be held at the downtown Holiday Inn in Lincoln, will help families develop working arrangements and financial plans for a successful operation, said Meg Kester, agricultural economics project specialist and Returning to the Farm coordinator.

"Success does not come automatically," Kester said. "Blending a variety of talents and personalities into one farming or ranching operation takes planning, communication and management."

The workshop also will help beginning farmers get a solid start in farming and ranching, keep operations within the family and ensure a comfortable retirement for all members involved, Kester said.

Program topics include revising financial feasibility, balance sheets and trend sheets, identifying estate planning issues, developing a transition plan, setting personal and professional goals and looking at the communication process between family members.Program presenters include Dave Goeller, UNL Beginning Farmer program coordinator; Darrell Mark, UNL livestock marketing specialist; Al Prosch, Pork Central educator; Doug Jose, UNL farm management specialist; Alan Baquet, department head, ag economics; Brad Lubben, UNL public policy specialist; Dave Aiken, UNL water law specialist; Tina Barrett, director of Nebraska Farm Business Inc.; Maggie Miller, UNL Extension assistant in Seward county; and Kester.

Registration is $300 for the first four family members if received by Nov. 29 and $325 afterward. Registration is limited to the first 15 families. An additional $20 is required for family members after the first four. Attendance at both two-day sessions is required and strongly recommended for all registrants. Costs include instruction, handout materials, meeting room costs, refreshment breaks, lunch and dinner for both weekends and Saturday continental breakfast. A block of rooms has been reserved for Returning to the Farm participants at $71 plus tax per room.

One hour of college credit is available for UNL students participating in the workshop. Details are available by calling the agricultural economics office at (800) 535-3456 or (402) 472-1742. For more information, contact Kester at (800) 535-3456, (402) 472-1771 or e-mail mkester2@unl.edu.

Kalee Olson
IANR News

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Copyright 2006 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. All rights reserved.
Published by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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