Search

Darrin (32) and Ned (67) started exploring farm transfer options because Darrin wanted to dairy farm and Ned wanted the dairy to continue even though his own children were not interested in taking over.

Darrin moved into a trailer house on the property. He started out working for a salary but also had the option to buy cows, buildings and, eventually, land. As time passed, their relationship progressed from employer/employee to more of a partnership. By the time Ned was ready to retire, Darrin was in a position to buy the rest of Ned’s operation.

Before and while working with Darrin, Ned consulted his accountant, lawyer, and other advisors to ensure he and his family would be protected into retirement. This planning paid off, and now Darrin is a new generation on the farm – just as Ned had hoped would happen.

Ernest and Gertrude Squabble farmed their whole lives. Their daughter Sara was the only child interested in farming and gradually took over the operation as they aged. Sara repeatedly asked her parents about her place in the future of the farm business, but Ernest and Gertrude kept saying it was all taken care of in their will.

Ernest died first, and things went on as usual. But after Gertrude died and the will was read, Sara found out that the farm and all of its assets were to be divided equally between her and her two siblings.

Sara thought it was clear that she should get the farm. After all, she was the one who’d stayed home to run it. Her two siblings had both moved away but now wanted their inheritance in cash – and as soon as possible. There was no way for Sara could buy out her brother and sister. The farm was sold in its entirety, with many of the proceeds going toward taxes and legal fees. After the personal sacrifices and financial contributions Sara had made, she felt hurt and taken advantage of. She no longer farms and the family no longer speaks.