Angus Monitor Farm to Kick Start New Year with Meeting on Succession Planning

Succession planning will be the focus of the next Angus Monitor Farm meeting on Thursday 10th January.

Heather Wildman from Saviour Associates will emphasize the importance of dreams and goals, having  a vision for your future and solving succession issues early.

“Succession planning is seen by many as a sensitive subject and many farmers are reluctant to start the process in case it causes conflict amongst their family members,” said Heather. “But in reality the sooner families start the conversation the more options become available.

“Farmers are also incredibly busy people so it can be difficult to find the time to consider long term succession planning. However, it makes sense to have a plan in place well in advance to help secure the success of your business for the next generation.”

Heather, who has published a guide to succession aimed at farmers, acknowledges that every farm business and situation is different, and it’s important that each business develops a succession plan which works for them.

The meeting will focus on helping people identify what it is they want to achieve, or even what they would like to avoid. There will also be a discussion on some of the reasons why farmers often postpone planning for succession and suggestions for questions farmers should ask themselves at the start of the process.

Heather said: “By the end of the meeting I hope that attendees will understand how the process works and be able to create an action plan for the succession of their own businesses as well as feeling more confident in starting the conversation with their families.”

Mill of Inverarity is part of the Monitor Farm Scotland initiative, managed by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds with funding from the Scottish Government. The aim of the monitor farm programme is to help improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Scottish farm businesses.

The meeting will be held at Northern Hotel, Brechin, DD9 6AE, and will begin at midday and end at 3pm. The event is free to attend but to lunch will be provided so to assist with catering attendees should book a place by contacting Stacey Hamilton by phone (01569 762305) or email (frbsstonehaven@sac.co.uk).

For more information about the monitor farm programme visit www.monitorfarms.co.uk