How Do We Talk About It? Attend Transition Planning Workshop on November 20

“We’d be in a lot better financial shape if you hadn’t bought that tractor we didn’t need!”

“Well, if you would get out of bed and get the cows fed on time, we’d be shipping a lot more milk.”

These are examples of statements that Dr. Charlie Gardner, one of our dairy farm consultants, has heard many family members say to each other in the midst of challenging conversations. You and your family might start out by talking about establishing a partnership and starting the process of transferring assets and responsibilities. Unfortunately, discussions like this can easily get sidetracked when we start blaming each other for financial concerns. It can be difficult to get the conversation back into a positive and productive mode, and you often leave the table with nothing accomplished.

Has your family ever experienced this type of communication pattern? Do there seem to be some subjects you just can’t talk about? Is the management of your farm hampered by this lack of communication? 

To help you learn how to talk about these types of topics, Dr. Gardner is leading one of many sessions at the upcoming “Passing the Torch” Interactive Transition Planning Workshop for dairy farm families on November 20. Hosted by Penn State Extension and the Center for Dairy Excellence, we are keeping costs low for families. The day-long workshop is $25 for the first two family members and $5 for each additional family member, with lunch included. Keep reading for more details!

Learn More About the Workshop