It is time to stop guessing what everyone thinks, feels, wants and needs. Explore what stories your grandparents, parents and siblings are telling themselves about the future and transition of wealth on your farm. Ask Grandpa or Mom, “I’m just curious, what is the story you are telling yourself? Is this a scarcity mindset issue? How much is enough? Would you ask for the help of a financial planner to give you more financial security and certainty for your income streams as you age in place on this farm?”

In a recent article put out by the USDA, studies show beef cow-calf production continues to be a lifestyle choice for some farmers. The 2022 USDA Census reported 85% of the total U.S. cattle operations are cow-calf or seedstock, and the majority of these operations are small scale, with 55% having fewer than 20 cows.

When it comes to farm versus household accounts, separate checking, savings and other accounts can safeguard business funds from personal ones, allow farms to monitor farm spending more easily and assist with recordkeeping of the farm’s finances.

John Ferry of JY Ferry & Son Inc. in Corinne, Utah, has a different idea than most when it comes to protecting the environment and the role cattle can play in the process.

In Olds, Alberta, not far outside Calgary, Harvie Ranching stands as a testament to the lasting tradition of family farming. For over four decades, members of the Harvie family have dedicated themselves to the production of top-quality cattle.

If you or someone in your farm family is getting married soon or considering marriage in the future, having the prenuptial conversation can be helpful in providing peace of mind and legal protection if the marriage does not go as planned later down the road.

Doing things differently has been the Miller family’s way since the farm’s beginning over a century ago. Started in 1919 with 140 acres, the family now farms over 1,100 acres of owned and leased land as Miller Family Farm, a registered Tennessee Century Farm.

Do you have a clear picture of who you are and how you lead on your farm and in your family?

When the kids were little and we needed a babysitter to go on a date, it took effort. After we finally found a night that worked for someone to come, inevitably something happened. An irrigation ditch flooded. We got snowed in. The kids got sick. The dog got hurt. Usually, though, the cows got out.