"Eloquent and detailed...It's hard to have hope, but the organized observations and plans of Hoffman and people like her give me some. Read her book -- and listen." -- Jane Smiley, The Washington Post In her late 40s, Beth Hoffman decided to upend her comfortable life as a professor and journalist to move to her husband's family ranch in Iowa--all for the dream of becoming a farmer. There was just one problem: money. Half of America's two million farms made less than $300 in 2019, and many struggle just to stay afloat. Bet the Farm chronicles this struggle through Beth's eyes. She must contend with her father-in-law, who is reluctant to hand over control of the land. Growing oats is good for the environment but ends up being very bad for the wallet. And finding somewhere, in the midst of COVID-19, to slaughter grass finished beef is a nightmare. If Beth can't make it, how can farmers who confront racism, lack access to land, or don't have other jobs to fall back on hack it? Bet the Farm is a first-hand account of the perils of farming today and a personal exploration of more just and sustainable ways of producing food.

How property is owned can impact your farm succession plan, but can also aid in allowing ease of transfer to the next generation. This publication is an Extension fact sheet draft covering what producers need to consider on property ownership when developing a succession plan.

Farm life has always been an important part of my world. I grew up on a dairy farm on Nicomen Island near Mission, BC and have immediate family and relatives operating dairy, poultry and crop farms. As co-executor (with two brothers) of my father's estate, I know all too well the result of not having a proper farm transition plan in place. Our dad had a poorly executed, unworkable Will and a non-existent farm succession plan. This led to family discord. Despite receiving the majority of the assets, the brother who inherited the farm suffered financial distress and became insolvent. A proper transition plan would have helped him get the financial and farm management training he needed. Today, I work as a Senior Wealth Advisor with Assante Capital Management Ltd., a leading Canadian wealth management firm with extensive experience in family farm transitions. In my work with the Assante Ag Group, I provide wealth advisory services to farm and business families. This includes helping them grow and protect their assets while preserving their family wealth and legacy. In my 29 years in the business, this is what I've seen: that all businesspeople, especially farmers, need and want personalized financial advice that helps them achieve their life goals. It is very clear to me that whether you have a transition plan in place or not, one day you will transfer your farm to your children, extended family or sell to a third party. The question is, will it be on your terms (voluntarily), or someone else's (involuntarily)? Ensuring the continuity of our farming community is a personal commitment.