Workshop helps answer the question, 'Who gets the family farm?'

The Purdue Initiative for Family Firms is hosting a workshop and play on how to develop legacy plans for the family farm. (Purdue Agricultural Communication photo/Tom Campbell) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — One of the toughest challenges facing Hoosier farmers has nothing to do with unpredictable weather, price fluctuations and damaging infestations. It has to do with the question inevitably facing every owner of a family farm: “Who should I designate to inherit the farm?” 

That’s the question that will be addressed during events hosted by the Purdue Initiative for Family Firms — the “Map of My Kingdom” play and Legacy Letter Workshop. Those invested in farms and family businesses are invited to attend the play/workshop, which will be held 4 p.m.-9 p.m. on Nov. 16, at Purdue’s Krannert Auditorium, 403 W. State St., West Lafayette. 

Farmers and business owners participating in the workshop will learn strategies for developing a legacy plan that’s based on the pros and cons of their options. The play, “Map of My Kingdom,” offers a depiction of the rich legacy of land transition. It is commissioned by the Practical Farmers of Iowa and written by Iowa’s Poet Laureate Mary Swander. 

As part of the workshop, attendees will learn:

*      How to start difficult conversations with family members and tenants about legacy plans.

*      How to write down the rich history of the farm and future goals.

*      How to develop a farm legacy document.

*      How to outline details on how to manage the farm in the future.

For more information or to register, visit http://bit.ly/2fogFf4. The cost of the workshop is $50 per person for the Legacy Letter Workshop, “Map of My Kingdom” play, a reception and a discussion session. The cost is $20 per person for the play and discussion session only.

Writer: Shari Finnell, 765-494-2722, sfinnell@purdue.edu

Source: Renee D. Wiatt, 765-496-9051, reneewiatt@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Shari Finnell, Manager/Media Relations and Public Information, sfinnell@purdue.edu  
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