#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

The last few years have been difficult for farm and ranch families. Many are experiencing financial and emotional stress as a result. There are several signs or symptoms when a farm family may be in need of help. These are signs that can be observed by friends, extended family members, neighbors, milk haulers, veterinarians, clergy persons, school personnel, or health and human services workers.

When family members, friends or neighbors are exhibiting signs of stress and depression, it is important they be connected with help as soon as possible. All cries for help should be taken seriously.

AG LEGACY can help…
Check the AG LEGACY Materials tab at AGLEGACY.org

#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

Are you struggling to define your own legacy? Is your family wondering where to begin the process of succession of the family farm or ranch? Are you struggling to convey the values and lessons learned in a life spent working on the family operation?

Begin by defining your own Ag Legacy!
Define your own values and life lessons by identifying family traditions, family history, and the beliefs that contribute to your core values. These will guide your decisions day to day. You can then begin the process of preserving and passing on your legacy. We all want to be remembered. By leaving a legacy, the values and life lessons from the past will be passed on and can act as a guide for future generations.

#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

Roger holds down a job in town to supplement income from the family ranch. He is up before everyone else in the house on most days, and his schedule and lack of adequate sleep often have him feeling as if he does morning chores in a stupor. Although he is able to recognize stress signals, Roger sometimes feels powerless to address them. “There just isn’t any extra time in my day,” he says.

Practicing relaxation may seem too time-consuming or even like a waste of time for many ranchers and farmers. But in the overall scheme of things, the benefits will make you more effective throughout each day.

AG LEGACY can help…
Check the AG LEGACY Materials tab at AGLEGACY.org

#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

View a free recording about values and life lessons and other important topics
…before time runs out!

TO LEARN MORE To learn more
about values and life lessons, what really matters most, and for ideas on where to begin see: AGLEGACY.org

#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

Rushing to town to buy spare parts, watching hay supplies dwindle during an unusually cold winter, helping a heifer live through a complicated birth—these images of agricultural life can be as familiar to producers as those of joyful times on the family land. That said, it may be hard to imagine the need for a resource that helps to identify and control stress on the ranch or farm. For many agricultural producers, however, these and other situations are so much a part of routine living that they are not readily identified as stressful.

Simply hiding the effects of stress is not always the best choice. It is much healthier to identify stress and find constructive ways to deal with it.

AG LEGACY can help…
Check the AG LEGACY Materials tab at AGLEGACY.org

#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

Values and life lessons has been identified as the most important component of a complete legacy. This is made up of 3 separate components, including Family Traditions, Family History and Beliefs.

Family traditions consist of religious, cultural and as well as family traditions handed down through generations. Traditions can help families improve communication, learn to value time spent together and celebrate each other’s achievements. All of which can help families get through tough times and changes.

Family histories may not include anyone famous, or infamous. However, they are of great value to the family, no matter what the tale. Many great stories can be found or shared that can bring a family’s history to life. Look for ways to preserve your own and your family’s history through books, audio or video recordings, etc.

Beliefs: A person’s beliefs are very important because those beliefs define the limit of that person’s experience. A person’s belief system is the set of precepts by which they live daily life and that govern their thoughts, words, and actions.

Taken together these create a person’s legacy. When a family identifies these for each other and themselves, they begin to define their own legacy. This legacy can live on and serve as inspiration and guidance for future generations.

#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

The image of the solid and steady agricultural producer is so familiar that it may even be considered a symbol of the West. One animal is sick, and disease may be spreading; cattle prices are falling just as it is time to ship; a storm front is moving toward the property—but this producer can handle it. It is “just part of the agricultural way of life.”

But what happens when life’s circumstances interfere with the image presented to the rest of the world?

AG LEGACY can help…
Check the AG LEGACY Materials tab at AGLEGACY.org

#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

Each difficult conversation is made up of three, distinct conversations: the What Happened? Conversation; the Feelings Conversation; and the Identity Conversation.

Mistakes in Difficult Conversations
Mistake 1 – Our assumptions about intentions are often wrong. Mistake 2 – Our good intentions don’t sanitize our bad impact. Mistake 3 – Blaming the other person.

Contributions to Difficult Conversations
Mapping contributions to the problem can lead to a much better understanding of the situation. Ask “What is the other person contributing?”, “What am I contributing?” and “Who else is involved?” Understanding what has contributed to the problem makes it easier to examine all the issues, as well as encourage learning and change.

Feelings in Difficult Conversations
How we handle our feelings can often explain how a situation got out of hand. It is
best if we own our own feelings, while keeping in mind that: feelings matter, we often try to block our feelings, unexpressed feelings can make it difficult to listen, and feelings are normal and natural.

Learning Conversations and the Third Story
A learning conversation should focus on: 1. Learning their story, 2. Expressing your views and feelings; and 3. Working together to explore possible solutions. One helpful way forward is to begin from the third story, keeping in mind that there is: my story, their story, and the Third Story (the real story). Get the other person’s story, share your story, then move to consider the three conversations: “What happened?”, “What feelings were involved?”, and “What identity issues were involved?”

TO LEARN MORE about difficult conversations and how to discuss what really matters and for ideas on where to begin see: AGLEGACY.org > Modules

#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

Losing a limb, death, divorce, or losing the farm or ranch shapes the lives of ranchers and farmers in long and lasting ways. Much of the study of people’s adaptation to traumatic events focuses on pain and suffering. But in the aftermath of adversity, people often show tenacity and resilience, eventually exhibiting personal growth. Major life crises can be catalysts for personal growth and coping.

Why do life crises lead to greater self-reliance, confidence, and effective coping in some people and yet shatter the lives of others?

AG LEGACY can help…
Check the AG LEGACY Materials tab at AGLEGACY.org

#AGLEGACY.org #FarmSuccession #EstatePlanning

View a free recording about how to have difficult conversations about important topics
…before time runs out!

TO LEARN MORE about difficult conversations and how to discuss what really matters and for ideas on where to begin see: AGLEGACY.org > Modules