Family Farming and The Future

Farming in Iowa is a family affair. For generations, Iowa families have made farming their business. Like all businesses, it is important to have a good plan when making a transition or change to the business. For a lot of farming families in Iowa, the biggest change on the horizon is how to successfully transition from one generation to the next. In 2018, the average age of Farmers was 58 years old. Retirement is on the horizon. How do you deal with the issues of retirement, family dynamics, children, maintaining operations, all while ensuring long-term success of the family farm? 

  Where can my family get help? 

We are here to help. The expertise of the Iowa Mediation Service(IMS) can be a valuable tool for families in navigating the issues surrounding Farm Succession Planning. Started in 1985 during the 1980’s Farm Crisis, IMS has been a resource for farmers, their families, and Iowans for over 30 years. We have provided extensive mediation, facilitation, and training services in all 99 counties in Iowa. We know the issues farmers in Iowa are facing today. We’ve worked with families, we’ve worked with farmers, and we understand the challenges in planning for the future.  IMS has the experience, knowledge and tools to help your family create a Farm Succession Plan.

Get Started Now!

Many families in Iowa today do not have a succession plan. When faced with the challenges of the future, many families procrastinate or postpone taking the necessary steps to start building a realistic succession plan. 

Don’t wait, get started now! Succession planning is a complex process. Families need to consider estate issues, family desires, financial implications, and many other factors to ensure a successful transition. Giving you and your family ample time to communicate and plan will make each step of the process much easier. 

---

​The First Step:

Reach out to us via phone, write us an email, put pen to paper and send us a letter, or you can even fax us.  No matter your preferred method of communication, rest assured that we are always here, ready and willing to assist you, your family, and your farm.
Iowa Mediation Service By Phone:
(515) 331-8081
By Email:
admin@iowamediationservice.com
By Mail:
1441 29th Street; Suite 120
Des Moines, IA 50266
By FAX:
(515) 331-8085