Going through any transition can bring about emotions that may not have existed prior to the transition. A family business transition is time-consuming and requires a careful and thoughtful planning process because so many of these emotions come to the forefront. Not accounting for those emotions and overlooking the softer side of the transition process can lead to feelings of loss, hurt and bitterness, creating a rift that can last a lifetime.

Organic dairyman Perry Clutts didn’t set out to be a farmer. “I was a bit of an environmental activist in my younger years. I later served time in the restaurant business and was a general contractor for 15 years,” he says. Today, Clutts is not only a farmer, but one who is committed to educating other farmers, his community and the public about the benefits of organic agriculture. In a way, he’s come full circle to his environmental activist roots.

The on-site café, retail store and creamery at the Hedrich family’s La Clare Farms is as unique as the flavors of their hand-crafted champion cheeses, thanks to one special ingredient – milk from their 600 dairy goats. Newly opened last November, the farmstead facility located along the lake front in Pipe, Wisconsin, is a dream come true for Larry and Clara Hedrich. They sought a way to add value to their product and bring multiple family members into the business, all while educating the public on where their food comes from.

Ashley Mohn Student, Delaware Valley College Hometown: Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania “Last year, I served as a dairy ambassador for Berks County. Some of my June Dairy Month highlights were sampling dairy products and interacting with consumers at a Giant Foods grocery store. I also love to make milkshakes during the month with fruits that are in season.”

Age: 45 Location: New Glarus, Wisconsin Your agricultural background, in a nutshell: My family has farmed here since 1899, and I’m the fifth generation to operate the dairy. Since joining the farm in 1990, we have grown from 60 Holstein cows to 400 Jersey and crossbred cows and from 300 acres to 650 acres.

Here’s the story of one methodical, unflappable guy whose relentless pursuit of calm and order means “no surprises” and that confident feeling of being prepared for anything. As I write this column, I’m about to head out on a vacation to a nice warm place, and I’m nervous. I’ve never been completely unplugged before.