Start a succession plan early

Succession planning comes up when mum and dad are looking to the future of      the farm and want to leave their legacy to the next generation of farmers.  It may start when the children are in their teens or be left until they are in their 50’s. The earlier the better, but flexibility is important for the plan to succeed.

The end goal of the succession plan

A one size fits all approach does not generally suit and handing over debt to the next generation increases the risk of the farm eventually being lost to the bank. Main factors  to consider are the goals of the parents and children. That sets the pattern, but within those boundaries will be many complex issues, including relationships, finances, taxes, mortgages, competition amongst children and differing views of mum and dad.

Family conferences help

First step is discussions with each family member. This includes a sound understanding of the farm, its operations and finances and patient family conferences where people are encouraged to put their thoughts on the table. This should not be done as a final statement, but to open discussions. We really try at GBAC to get this right. Because, if handled badly  it could make some family members feel badly done by.

Avoid surprises that could cause consternation

Succession planning needs gentle diplomacy. Often some  family members have expectations that others don’t share. In the end we want to make everyone happy. That is why if Succession planning starts in their teens or twenties, everyone has a clear understanding of what is happening and most wishes can be accommodated over time.

Our role

What has helped us with succession planning for clients is experience. From my teens I was raised on Dale Carnegie’s book “How to win friends and influence people”. It gave me a different perspective on working with client families. What I learned about dealing with finances in my Chartered Accountancy courses. Running my own Merino property out west first was a good lead in to me succeeding my 2^nd cousin by purchasing from him the beef cattle property in the Araluen Valley out of Braidwood, originally settled by my great grandfather.