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Green Pastures

Succession Planning for Farms & Family Businesses

Succession in farming and family businesses is about more than transferring assets. It’s about protecting your legacy, preserving family harmony, and creating opportunities for the next generation. We help families prepare for the future with open conversations, clear planning, and lasting agreements. We facilitate the difficult conversations; you determine the outcome.

Why Succession Planning Matters

A farm or family business is more than a business.

It is:

  • A livelihood that feeds and sustains.

  • A homeplace woven with generations of memories.

  • A heritage to be safeguarded.

  • A symbol of identity and belonging.

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Without planning, misunderstandings can arise, families can come under strain, and hard-earned businesses can suffer. Early conversations create security and clarity for everyone.

Free Range Cows
Green Pastures

Prompts for discussion:

The AEIOU Framework model – use as prompts for consideration and discussion:

  • Assumptions – What do family members assume about who will take over, and when?

  • Attachment – How emotionally tied are individuals to the land, the home and the business?

  • Expectations – What do different members expect regarding roles, inheritance and involvement?

  • Entitlement – Do individuals feel “owed” a position, share, or decision-making power?

  • Identity – What role does the farm/business play in each person’s sense of self and belonging?

AEIOU Framework model – credit Clare O’Keefe, Mediator, B.A., M. Ag. Sc

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