5 Signs It’s Time to Start Your Farm Succession Plan

Farm succession planning is often pushed to the side – not because it’s unimportant, but because it’s complex, emotional and easy to delay. But waiting too long can lead to confusion, conflict and missed opportunities. In our experience, most families benefit from starting earlier than they think.

Here are five signs it might be time to start the conversation:

1. You’re Starting to Think About Stepping Back

Whether it’s cutting back on hours, taking more holidays, or thinking about retirement, these are all cues that succession should be on the radar. It doesn’t mean stepping away completely. In fact, the best transitions are gradual. Starting early means you can guide the next generation, transfer knowledge, and reduce financial risk while staying involved at a level that suits you.

2. One Family Member Is Taking the Lead

If a son, daughter or family member is starting to manage key operations, it’s time to put structure around that. Are they being paid appropriately? Is there a long-term plan for equity or ownership? Formalising this early reduces the risk of misunderstandings later and shows commitment from both generations.

3. There Are Unspoken Expectations in the Family

Many farming families operate on assumptions – often with the best of intentions. But without open dialogue, expectations can clash. One child may assume they’ll inherit the farm, while another expects an equal share. If no one’s talking, it’s a red flag. Succession conversations can be emotional, but they’re essential for long-term harmony.

4. Your Business Has Grown or Changed

Your original succession ideas may no longer fit the business you have today. Perhaps you’ve bought more land, added an enterprise, diversified into agri-tourism, or taken on significant debt. These changes bring new risks and complexities. Updating your succession plan ensures decisions are based on today’s reality, not yesterday’s assumptions.

5. You Want to Protect the Family and the Farm

At its core, succession planning is about continuity. It’s about keeping the family farm viable across generations, while maintaining strong family relationships. If your goal is to protect both the legacy and the people involved, planning is non-negotiable. A clear plan gives everyone certainty and peace of mind.

What Next?

Succession planning doesn’t need to be overwhelming or done all at once. It just needs to start. Even a simple conversation can set things in motion.

At Frontgate, we help farming families work through succession with honesty, structure and care. We know the questions to ask, the roadblocks to avoid, and how to keep things moving forward.

If any of these signs resonate with you, reach out for a confidential chat.

Let’s protect what you’ve built – and the people you built it for.

Disclaimer: This content provides general information only, current at the time of production. Any advice in it has been prepared without taking into account your personal circumstances. You should seek professional advice before acting on any material.