Surviving the Family Farm: Handshake Deals, Succession, and Hard Conversations

What Happens When There Is No Family Heir to Take Over the Farm?

What happens when there isn't a family heir ready to take over the operation? In Episode 2 of Surviving the Family Farm, Bryce Doeschot is joined by Dr. Tom Field, Craig Burnside and Spencer Hartman to answer real questions from farm and ranch families navigating succession planning. This episode tackles: • Finding a successor when there is no next generation in line • Connecting beginning farmers with established operations • Managing inheritance disputes between farming and non-farming heirs • Buying family land and determining a fair price • Why communication and documentation matter in transition planning Whether you're planning to pass the farm to the next generation or hoping to keep the operation together for years to come, this conversation offers practical insights and real-world advice from experts in agriculture, family business and agricultural law.

Surviving the Family Farm: Handshake Deals, Succession, and Hard Conversations

What happens when the toughest part of farming isn’t weather or markets—but family? In the pilot episode of Surviving the Family Farm, host Bryce Doeschot and a panel of ag experts tackle listener questions on handshake deals, succession planning, sibling conflict, prenups, and running a farm with nothing in writing. Practical insight for farm and ranch families navigating legacy, leadership, and tough conversations. Have a question for the show?