Succession Planning
We asked previous awardees of the Top Producer Next Gen Award to reflect on lessons they’ve experienced in business and management.
In the heart of the Arkansas delta, Hallie Shoffner has a legacy to uphold. As a sixth-generation farmer in a town incorporated by her ancestors, she’s spent the past five years as an entrepreneur and business manager.
When the four Hansen brothers came back to the small family dairy farm in Hudson, Iowa, which had operated since 1864, things needed to expand. Hansen’s Dairy has since taken ‘side hustle’ to a whole new level.
In addition to traditional row crops and cattle, Lindsay Baneck operates a direct-to-consumer produce business in Wisconsin. These days, her goals are geared toward success and sustainability.
Wayne Gehrke and Carolyn Brummel share how they diversified beyond corn and soybeans and made the most of what they already had so they both could farm full time.
As someone who enjoys technology, Kaden Sweeney says he’s geared toward numbers. New this year, the family operation plans to control the grain cart from the combine for ease and efficiency.
Marc and Meagan Kaiser are building their future — finding a way to be part of their families’ corn and soybean operation and soil testing lab while starting a precision ag business and being active in farm groups.
After a 30-year career, her advice to someone just getting started is to be an effective communicator, which includes developing listening skills, and invite people to the table to take in different perspectives.
Shay Foulk shares tips to help balance equipment debt, transition and economic downturn.
What would you tell someone launching their farming career today? A panel of Illinois farmers recently shared some of their successes and setbacks along with a handful of recommendations for young or new farmers.
Edgewood Locker got its start in rural northeast Iowa in 1966. The business now spans over three generations, and it’s largely thanks to Joan Kerns who helped start the family business that’s now seen phenomenal growth.
“As a young person, if you’re not going to be proud of what you do, don’t waste your time,” he advises. “Be proud of what you do, and everywhere you go, be excited about it and talk about it.”
Edgewood Locker got its start in rural northeast Iowa in 1966. The business now spans over three generations, and it’s largely thanks to Joan Kerns who helped start the family business that’s now seen phenomenal growth.
Are leaders made or born? “Some people are more naturally disposed to being leaders, but it doesn’t mean they’re good at it. To be a really good leader, you’re made into one through intention and exposure,” she says.
If you weren’t able to attend Top Producer Summit in Kansas City, you can still watch the awards banquet.
As a sixth generation Iowa farmer, Pam Johnson has been sharing agriculture’s food, fiber and fuel stories her entire life.
A farmer and cattle producer in western Iowa, Kelly Garrett’s operation continues to conquer change.
Use the topics and tools included in The DIRTT Project to jump-start the succession planning process for your operation whether you are just beginning or need to get on track.
This Wisconsin farmer and sole proprietor of Crane Grain Farms credits his success to his employees and innovation.
Indiana farmer expands one acre of sweet corn to a booming, diversified business.
Intense analytical skills and a strong team allow young farmer to thrive
What’s the most challenging thing about running a legacy brand? “The biggest challenge is being pigeonholed. Everyone expects us to recreate the past, but the future doesn’t look like what we were,” Lamar says.
Grounded by his family but propelled by vision, Trey Wasserburger is the energetic force behind creating more processing capacity for local cattle producers.
As Mary Pat Sass’ social media shows glimpses of life from the seat of the tractor, it’s not the view she envisioned for her life even a decade ago. But through humor and candor, she’s now an inspiration to others.
Three under-30 producers from Illinois, Ohio and Mississippi sound off on the struggles, pressures and hopes of farming’s next generation.
Wearing a different hat every day, it would take 319 years to get through Scott Legried’s collection.
Rena Striegel’s workshop at the upcoming Top Producer Summit will leave attendees with four main takeaways.
At 28, Zoe Kent is the owner and operator of Kent Farms in Ohio. As the eighth generation, she feels a responsibility to continue the family’s legacy. The transition happened sooner than she or her father planned.
For long-term success, farm leaders should regularly assess the landscape of their operation and adjust their strategies accordingly.