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GILS Group has structured an approach that addresses the family dynamics and personal challenges involved with successful transitioning while still accounting for the necessity of implementing a comprehensive business plan—a “whole farm” methodology— that is practical to/for day-to-day operations. 

When land is the ultimate asset to the operator, emotions tend to interfere with ability to make the clear and concise decisions necessary to mitigate risk and ensure future success. With comprehensive planning critical to not only preserving the land and business model but making it beneficial to the family unit at the same time, the GILS Group team know and is trained to deal with the dynamics involved, which, in turn, enhance the commitment of the operator to properly finalize and implement the proposed business and succession plan. 

GILS Group understands that fair business decisions do not necessarily mean equality, especially as it relates to active and inactive stakeholders in the farm, and the conflicts that often result if such issues are not properly addressed at the onset of succession planning and business development. 

The failure to properly plan for an effective and successful farm transition is one of a multitude of factors that create barriers to entry for beginning farmers and ranchers.  According to the 2007 Census of U.S. Agriculture, farmers over the age of 65 continue to be the fastest-growing group of farm operators, while those operators under the age of 45 have declined by more than 10 percent from the previous census.  Further, a report by the Farm Journal Legacy Project states that seventy percent (70%) of farm owners will fail to transition their operation to a second generation, ninety percent (90%) of those remaining will fail to pass to a third generation and ninety-six percent (96%) of the remainder will never reach a fourth generation. 

In addition to the complex legal issues and family dynamics involved in successful farm transitioning, there can be additional barriers such as:  inherent financial risks; lack of understanding and complying with evolving environmental and immigration regulations; numerous federal and state laws and programs that make it necessary for producers to understand and implement; and a rapidly-changing global marketplace.   Hence, it becomes essential for farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses to have accessibility to a well-versed team skilled in providing education, advice, and materials to guide them in implementing a comprehensive business management plan to help overcome these barriers.  

The GILS Group team can create a comprehensive plan for the family and the business that will assist in continued success for the next generation. 

As noted at by a recent briefing by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service, five general types of risks are predominant in agriculture: (a) production risk, (b) price or market risk, (c) financial risk, (d) institutional risk and (e) human or personal risk.  Utilizing the GILS Group whole farm business approach – these risks are mitigated by understanding the legal ramifications and creating the marketing tools necessary to build a comprehensive plan for succession, risk management, compliance, and marketing. 

Many farm and ranch owners recognize the need for estate and succession planning and implementing business models that address these barriers. However, the discomfort associated with difficult operational issues that spill into the family dynamics generally results in discussions being tabled until itis too late to act.  In addition, it is often challenging for farm families to discuss and plan for retirement, and eventually,  one’s own mortality.   GILS Group is more than familiar with “kitchen table” communication breakdowns;  in an effort to overcome this challenge GILS Group has added project managers/mediators with an extensive agricultural background. These people areavailable to the family to assist in working through and discussing these difficult issues.  

GILS Group employs a realistic hands-on approach with farmers, ranchers and agribusiness entrepreneurs that address the legal complexities and marketing strategies necessary to build a comprehensive plan for succession, risk management, and compliance.   Do not allow these challenges to prevent you from making the future of your operation, business and the industry a priority.