Purdue U. extension program helps farm families with business planning

Family farmers can get tips from Purdue University specialists on business communication and dealing with accounting and legal issues during a succession planning program.

“Cultivating Strong Indiana Farm Family Relationships for Today and Tomorrow” will be offered in March. The program is presented by Purdue’s Women in Agriculture and Farm Succession Planning teams in partnership with the North Central Risk Management Education Center.

The program will take place on March 21 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Purdue Extension Allen County office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Kelly Heckaman, Purdue Extension educator in Kosciusko County, said Indiana farmers and farm wives have asked educators for advice on handling their family businesses.

“In order to get estate planning started in families, they need to be able to communicate about it. And it’s an emotional topic, so it can be hard to get those conversations started,” Heckaman said. “The workshops will give families ideas on improving their conversations and skills to help them work through their problems and keep their families intact.”

Purdue Extension presenters include Janet Ayres, agricultural economist; Angela Gloy, farm business planning specialist; and members of Purdue’s Farm Family Succession Planning Team.

Heckaman said the program is a collaboration between Extension and local communities, as organizers will invite local accountants and attorneys to speak on financial strategies. It is being offered at nine other locations in Indiana.

The first-session agenda topics are: “A Great Year to Farm: New Farmer Financial Skills,” “The Team Approach: Working Together through Transition” and “Communicating for Success.”

The second session’s lineup is “Business Structure and Taxes,” “The Truth about Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements” and “Strategies for Managing Conflict.”

Registration is $50 for individuals or $100 for families up to four members.

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