When it comes to succession planning, Oliver County Extension Agent Rick Schmidt encouraged landowners to start the communication process early. “I think it’s important that when you start, you identify which individual will be leading. What really makes planning successful, is making sure everyone is on the same page.” Passing down the family farm can be a difficult path. “You need to treat them all fair, but that doesn’t mean they’re equal and it doesn’t mean everyone’s happy at the end of the day.”
