Succession Planning Workshop Series - 12/3/14, 2/4/15, & 5/20/15

Succession Planning for Farms and Ranches

Part 1: Ties to the Land (TTL) - Planning for an Orderly Transition for Family Farms and Ranches

Wednesday December 3, 2014
Tomales Town Hall

Guest Speaker:
Bill Stewart, Forestry Specialist, University of California, Berkeley tiestotheland.org, billstewart@berkeley.edu, (510) 643-3130

In this facilitated and interactive workshop with illustrative video stories, participants learned strategies to maintain family ties to the land from one generation to the next, built awareness of the key challenges facing family businesses, and gained motivation to address these challenges and decide the future of their land together. Key take-aways included the idea that what is fair isn't always what is equal. More information can be found at tiestotheland.org. 

Part 2: Family Relationships and Communication

Wednesday February 4, 2015
Tomales Town Hall

Guest Speaker:
David Pratt, Ranch Management Consultants

In this engaging workshop with well known rancher David Pratt, Ranch Management Consultants, participants heard familiar stories about families going through transition and gained insights on intergenerational perspectives on succession planning. Key take-aways included the importance of establishing an economically viable business to transfer from one generation to the next.

Part 3: Succession Planning - the Professionals

Wednesday May 20, 2015
Tomales Town Hall

Panelists:

• Richard Abbey, Estate Lawyer and Mediator
• Henry Fronebeger, Estate Lawyer
• Ted Stephens, Financial Planner
• Jamison Watts, Executive Director Marin Agricultural Land Trust

In this workshop with an informative panel of estate and financial planners, participants heard from local experts who have helped countless families transition from one generation to the next. Panelists explained their services and complementary approach to succession planning. Key take-aways included the difference between estate planning and business planning and the importance of both in planning for succession. 

Resources

We encourage you to get professional help navigating the legal, financial and interpersonal aspects of planning for farm succession.  This table lists some of the local folks who have experience working with agricultural and family businesses.  The list is not intended as an endorsement of their services, but can provide a starting place in your search to find the right professional to help you and your family.