How to Start Farm Succession Planning
Farm succession isn't just paperwork—it's personal. In this powerful episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we sit down with Mike Downey, Farm Business Coach and Succession Planning Lead at UnCommon Farms, to tackle one of the most emotionally charged and financially complex topics in agriculture: succession planning.
Mike shares how growing up on his own farm shaped his passion for helping families hand off their operations with clarity and care. With decades of experience, Mike brings real-life examples, practical advice, and a reminder that starting the conversation is the hardest—and most important—step.
“If you've ever said, ‘We know we need a succession plan but don’t know where to start,’ this episode is for you.”
Emotional, Financial, and Legacy-Driven: What You’ll Learn
Succession planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Mike walks us through common pitfalls families face—like avoiding tough conversations, failing to document ownership, or assuming the next generation is ready. You’ll also hear about:
Why family communication is just as important as legal documents
The “Prioritize Your Goals” worksheet, a powerful tool to align visions early on
How leadership development and governance can create clarity and confidence
What to expect at the 2025 Succession Workshop Series, including the in-person Des Moines event on July 23 with Paul Neiffer, The Farm CPA
👉 Register for the Des Moines Succession Planning Workshop today.
This isn’t just theory. Mike tells the story of a Farm4Profit listener who took the first step after hearing a previous episode—and invited UnCommon Farms to guide their family’s transition.
📌 Bonus: Catch Mike’s full professional background on LinkedIn.
It’s Not Just Business—It’s Your Legacy
Succession planning is about more than tax strategies or legal documents. It’s about honoring the work of generations while building a pathway for future leaders. Whether you’re 25 or 65, it's never too early to start planning—and never too late to get back on track.
Ready to take the next step? Listen to the full episode with Mike Downey on the Farm4Profit Podcast and get the tools, mindset, and motivation to move forward.
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