Farm succession is one of the most important conversations in agriculture, yet it's also one of the easiest for farm families to put off. But what happens when the unexpected occurs? What happens when the person making all the key decisions is suddenly unable to run the operation? And what happens when years of hard work, family relationships, and the future of the farm are left without a clear plan? In this episode of The Impact Farming Show, as part of our ongoing Farmstrong series, I'm joined by Rob Saik and Derryn Shrosbree for an important conversation about farm succession, transition, and continuity planning. Both grew up on farms, founded their own companies, and have spent years working alongside farmers. They also bring personal experiences with farm succession that weren't necessarily positive, giving them a unique perspective on why these conversations matter. We explore why Derryn prefers the term continuity planning, what it means for farm families, and why planning for the future needs to happen long before retirement is on the horizon. We also dig into whether larger or more business-minded farm operations are better at planning, the consequences of having no continuity plan, and how decisions around technology, debt, expansion, and investment can impact the next generation. And because farm succession is about more than paperwork and business structures, we explore the push and pull between generations, balancing the goals of today's farm owners with the ambitions and security of those who will carry the operation forward. In this episode, we discuss: • Rob and Derryn's personal experiences with farm succession and what they wish had been different. • The difference between succession, transition, and continuity planning. • Why continuity planning deserves more attention in agriculture. • Whether larger and more business-focused farms are better at planning for the future. • The financial, legal, and family consequences of not having a continuity plan. • Why younger farmers need to plan for the unexpected, too. • How technology, debt, expansion, and investment decisions affect long-term farm sustainability. • Balancing the current generation's goals with the next generation's ambitions. • Practical lessons and advice for farm families who haven't started the conversation. We also finish with a few personal questions for Rob and Derryn about the books that have shaped their thinking, experiences that have profoundly moved them, and what they're most excited about right now. Continuity planning is about protecting what you've built, preparing for what you can't predict, and giving the next generation a stronger foundation to build upon. Don't keep kicking the can down the road. Start the conversation. Thanks for tuning in, Tracy Brunet SHOW RESOURCES Connect with Derryn Shrosbree — Farmstrong Website: https://farmstrong.ca/ Connect with Rob Saik https://robertsaik.com =========== 🔎 Related Phrases: Farm Transition Planning, Farm Succession Planning, Tracy Brunet, Impact Farming Show, Derryn Shrosbree, Farmstrong, Rob Saik, Farming, Farmlife, Agribusiness, Farm Business, Farm Finance, Farm Management, Sustainable Farming, Farming Tips, Farm Business Management, Farming Success, Farm Funding Solutions, Agricultural Finance, Farming Innovations, Farm Financial Solutions, Farm Founders, Farm Successors, Agribusiness #FarmTransitionPlanning #FarmSuccessionPlanning #Farmlife #Farmtok ⚠️ Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. © The Impact Farming Show: Produced by Farm Marketer
