By Alice McFarlane

Canada’s farm show features hands-on farm transition workshop

Jan 10, 2025 | 1:30 PM

New programming is being made available at a popular Saskatchewan farm show that will help farm families start the conversation about transition planning.

Farm Management Canada’s Bridging the Gap is an interactive workshop that invites farm families to come together and make progress on their farm transition planning. Industry experts will lead participants through topics like understanding and overcoming transition resistance, tax planning, structuring a business to support retirement, treating farming and non-farming kids fairly, and getting everyone to the table to have these important conversations.

Nick Oakley, Business Development Lead at Farm Management Canada, said heading into a new growing season, farmers have a lot on their minds. This workshop will get the process started.

“Not knowing how to approach farm transition is just one more thing to worry about. Parents often have one vision for the future, while their children have another. Without practical tools and guidance, families struggle to communicate effectively, which leads to tension and trying to ignore the issues,” Oakley said.

Only 12 per cent of Canadian farmers have a transition plan, and a further 13 per cent are working on it. With increasing land prices, farm values are in the millions—or even tens of millions—of dollars, according to Oakley.

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“What is fair isn’t always equal, and what is equal isn’t always fair. Bridging the Gap gives families practice navigating the complexities of farm transition,” he said. “Participants leave with a take-home workbook and valuable tools to keep the momentum going when they get home.”

The workshop is led by experts in accounting, finance and communication. It includes interactive sessions on farm transition readiness, planning and working effectively with a transition team. Farm families will engage in group discussions, ask questions and share insights.

Oakley said families from farms of all sizes and types are welcome.

“This workshop is about equipping families with resources to protect their legacy and secure the long-term sustainability of their operations,” he said.

The workshop will take place on Mar. 17 in the Queensbury Convention Centre, adjacent to the Viterra International Trade Centre.

Registration for the Bridging the Gap workshop includes complimentary admission to Canada’s Farm Show Mar. 18 – 20.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW