UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Heleba, Debra Marie
Dept./Program:
Community Development and Applied Economics
Year:
2007
Degree:
MS
Abstract:
Succession family farm succession is critically important to ensure a healthy future for agriculture in New England. To better understand how farm families and agricultural professionals view successful farm transfers, and to evaluate Extension programs focused on educating farmers on this topic, a project was conducted using multiple research methods. The research revealed the complexity of f msu ccession. Several factors seemed to be indicators of successful farm succession including effective communication, financial viability of the farm operation, family harmony, and a willingness to plan. Educational programs on farm succession did improve the awareness and level of knowledge among farmer participants. A review of the literature on U.S. family businesses yielded insights from which a theoretical fiamework was constructed, providing guidance to the exploration of family farm succession. Family farm research literature revealed several themes characterizing successful business succession. Among them were effective communication, business viability, timely retirement and estate planning, and utilization of service providers.
The primary sources of data collected were semi-structured interviews (conducted among New England agricultural professionals and farmers), and a survey of farmers and others who participated in educational workshops conducted over the course of four years. Quantitative survey data was subject to statistical analysis; all other data was coded and analyzed using standard qualitative techniques. Using this qualitative approach, six agricultural professionals and members from three farm families were interviewed to learn their experiences with farm succession, including a focus upon how they defined successful farm transfers. Several common themes emerged from the interviews including effective communication, willingness among senior generation to give up control, business readiness and commitment among the junior generation, financial and business acuity, and advance planning. An evaluation of introductory and advanced Transferring the Farm workshops was also conducted. These workshops were offered to New England farm families to provide a range of farm succession information, including farm family goal setting; retirement, estate and health care planning; business transition, structure and agreements; and creative tenure alternatives. More than 700 farmers and others participated in the workshops. Participation was balanced across age and gender, and represented a diversity of farm enterprises across New England. Analysis showed there was a statistically significant increase in participant knowledge gained at the workshops. Strong satisfaction with all aspects of the programs was expressed. However, it is unclear whether these programs affect change among families to plan and implement farm transfers. Other services are needed to assist farmers in active planning of their farm transfers.
Additional research is needed to better understand farm succession issues in New England, particularly given the region's high land values. The role that women play in farm transfers may warrant more research, given their active participation in New England farm operations and as farmland owners. Additional programs could be developed for agricultural professionals and farmers on family issues like communication and conflict management.
The primary sources of data collected were semi-structured interviews (conducted among New England agricultural professionals and farmers), and a survey of farmers and others who participated in educational workshops conducted over the course of four years. Quantitative survey data was subject to statistical analysis; all other data was coded and analyzed using standard qualitative techniques. Using this qualitative approach, six agricultural professionals and members from three farm families were interviewed to learn their experiences with farm succession, including a focus upon how they defined successful farm transfers. Several common themes emerged from the interviews including effective communication, willingness among senior generation to give up control, business readiness and commitment among the junior generation, financial and business acuity, and advance planning. An evaluation of introductory and advanced Transferring the Farm workshops was also conducted. These workshops were offered to New England farm families to provide a range of farm succession information, including farm family goal setting; retirement, estate and health care planning; business transition, structure and agreements; and creative tenure alternatives. More than 700 farmers and others participated in the workshops. Participation was balanced across age and gender, and represented a diversity of farm enterprises across New England. Analysis showed there was a statistically significant increase in participant knowledge gained at the workshops. Strong satisfaction with all aspects of the programs was expressed. However, it is unclear whether these programs affect change among families to plan and implement farm transfers. Other services are needed to assist farmers in active planning of their farm transfers.
Additional research is needed to better understand farm succession issues in New England, particularly given the region's high land values. The role that women play in farm transfers may warrant more research, given their active participation in New England farm operations and as farmland owners. Additional programs could be developed for agricultural professionals and farmers on family issues like communication and conflict management.