HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Elaine Froese is a go-to expert for farm families who want better communication and conflict resolution to secure a successful farm transition. And she is coming to Huntington, Ind., March 16 to share simple, practical, and actionable tools with farm families so they can talk about tough issues and get traction in their farm transition. Her topics are a catalyst to courageous conversations and conflict resolution.

While every farm family is different, if we strip away the various farm production methods or practices, we’re all farm families, just working to make a living and a life. Add succession planning or farm transition to the mix, and anxiety, personalities and misunderstandings may result in less than harmonious family relationships. As one generation wants to move toward retirement or to become more engaged in the farm business, decisions need to be made.

How can mom and dad (or grandpa and grandma) move toward their retirement? Does everyone have a say in the transition? How can the 30-somethings buy in to the farm with crazy high land prices? Who cares about mom’s wish to move to town, so the grain dryer won’t be running outside her bedroom window for the rest of her life? So many considerations.

Froese’s one-day workshop will help us to understand that there can be fairness in family farm transition and that fair is not equal. She asserts that being fair helps everyone involved be successful by asking what fairness means to each person. Understanding everyone’s perspective and exploring new ways to transfer ownership are part of the conversation.

Brought to you by Grant, Huntington, Wabash and Wells County soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs), Froese’s workshop will be at Habecker Dining Commons, Huntington University, Huntington. 

The 9-2 p.m. event will focus on FAIR - which stands for Financial Transparency, Attitude, Intent, and Roles. In each workshop, Froese will work through considerations around these four pillars to come up with workable solutions while managing expectations, with the goal of being in rich relationships.

Registration fee is $25 which includes lunch. Please register at this website https://www.eventbrite.com/e/finding-fairness-in-farming-transition-workshop-tickets-690061732217 or call the Wabash County SWCD office at 260-563-7486, ext. 3. Seats are limited.