Protecting your Family’s Legacy

The holidays bring family and loved ones together, and this can be the opportune time to begin meaningful conversations about the future. Whether over a cup of coffee before morning chores or while out feeding livestock, starting the conversation is often the most difficult aspect of succession planning. And older generations may not understand that younger generations are wondering if and when these conversations will take place. Older generations want to secure their legacy, and younger generations need to know what they’ll need to prepare and plan. If you own a farm or ranch and haven’t yet begun discussing succession planning, now is the time to start. Waiting too long can leave your legacy—and the harmony of future holidays—at risk.

Succession planning is a process, not a single event. It’s not just about deciding who gets what; it’s about ensuring the continued success of your land, operations, and family relationships. These conversations require thought, compromise, and time—all of which can be in short supply if delayed. Starting these discussions now gives you the opportunity to gather input from all key family members loved ones and set the foundation for future planning.

The holidays are a time for reflection and gratitude, and can include planning for everyone’s future. Find the courage to take those steps to secure your farm or ranch and your family’s legacy. By starting the conversation now, you can ensure a smoother transition and help keep future holidays conflict-free for generations to come.