By now, you have probably read half a dozen articles that outline a successful farm transition. The father and son get along well, it was clear who should take over the farm, there were no fights among siblings, and the list continues.

But I don’t have to tell you that these articles offer only a glimpse of reality — you already know that. Most farm succession plans are not typed out in an official binder and wrapped with a shiny bow. Families often have disagreements over how succession should look. And sometimes, those disagreements cause an irreversible crack in the family’s foundation.

The point is: Farm succession is not pretty. Even the smoothest of transitions had some speed bumps behind the scenes.

A good example

Rex Clements, Lynn, Ind., explained the transition plan he has in place with his son-in-law, Wade Miller, at the 2024 Purdue Farm Management Tour. Simply put, as soon as Miller came to the farm after some time working in the grain industry, Clements brought him in on business decisions. Miller now factors in Clements’ advice, but ultimately, he has the final say on decisions.

“I wanted to step back,” Clements says. “I was ready to step back. I know that’s not common — people don’t want to give up stuff. But I guess I was ready.”

Related:Push farm business decisions to next generation

From the outside, it may seem like this was an easy decision for Clements to make — like he had everything figured out before Miller even set foot on the farm. However, he says that is not the impression he is trying to give.

“I hope Wade didn’t come back to find out answers because I don’t really have the answers,” Clements shared. He added that originally, he secretly had hoped his daughter, Jill, wouldn’t marry a farm boy because he didn’t know how he would find a spot for him on the farm.

Plans change

In Clements’ situation, he was flexible, and he started bringing Miller in on decisions early to see what would happen. A farm succession plan needs to have some level of flexibility, especially in its early stages. Plans change, people change and interests change.

After the presentation at the Purdue Farm Management Tour, I pulled Clements aside to ask him how his plans would have changed if Miller did not come from a farm background or was not from the area.

“He was a farm boy who understands farming, and we knew his family,” Clements said. “I would’ve been more cautious otherwise.”

Even with family that you’ve known your whole life, it is key to exercise caution when laying out farm transition plans. Never assume others have your best interests or the operation’s best interests in mind.

These examples of farm transition success stories that we share may seem perfect from the outside. But remember that the best transition plan for your operation is the one that will do right by the business. Be cautious, communicate often and be flexible.