Hard work, determination and perseverance aid four generations of dairy producers on Boertje Farms in Visalia, California.

Imagine this is the day you hop out of bed with a spring in your step, anticipating the life-changing transaction taking place this afternoon.

Some of the concerns heirs have in taking over the family farm include the financial viability of farming, the challenges of modern agriculture and lifestyle implications.

There are many overlapping systems in play on a family farm. Your family circle is your nuclear family which relates to your parents or in-laws, and your siblings, who may also be business partners or farm heirs.

It always seems like our stress gets amped up during the holidays – traveling, planning, spending money, seeing family and friends – it’s a lot to manage. We’re told this is a time to slow down, reflect and celebrate.

Twenty-five years ago, I would have told you that topics like self confidence and insecurities were a bunch of fluff. However, I’ve been through a lot and can tell you that it is the soft issues that become hard problems in farming.