Darrin (32) and Ned (67) started exploring farm transfer options because Darrin wanted to dairy farm and Ned wanted the dairy to continue even though his own children were not interested in taking over.
Darrin moved into a trailer house on the property. He started out working for a salary but also had the option to buy cows, buildings and, eventually, land. As time passed, their relationship progressed from employer/employee to more of a partnership. By the time Ned was ready to retire, Darrin was in a position to buy the rest of Ned’s operation.
Before and while working with Darrin, Ned consulted his accountant, lawyer, and other advisors to ensure he and his family would be protected into retirement. This planning paid off, and now Darrin is a new generation on the farm – just as Ned had hoped would happen.
Ernest and Gertrude Squabble farmed their whole lives. Their daughter Sara was the only child interested in farming and gradually took over the operation as they aged. Sara repeatedly asked her parents about her place in the future of the farm business, but Ernest and Gertrude kept saying it was all taken care of in their will.
Ernest died first, and things went on as usual. But after Gertrude died and the will was read, Sara found out that the farm and all of its assets were to be divided equally between her and her two siblings.
Sara thought it was clear that she should get the farm. After all, she was the one who’d stayed home to run it. Her two siblings had both moved away but now wanted their inheritance in cash – and as soon as possible. There was no way for Sara could buy out her brother and sister. The farm was sold in its entirety, with many of the proceeds going toward taxes and legal fees. After the personal sacrifices and financial contributions Sara had made, she felt hurt and taken advantage of. She no longer farms and the family no longer speaks.
Ernest and Gertrude Squabble farmed their whole lives. Their daughter Sara was the only child interested in farming and gradually took over the operation as they aged. Sara repeatedly asked her parents about her place in the future of the farm business, but Ernest and Gertrude kept saying it was all taken care of in their will.
Ernest died first, and things went on as usual. But after Gertrude died and the will was read, Sara found out that the farm and all of its assets were to be divided equally between her and her two siblings.
Sara thought it was clear that she should get the farm. After all, she was the one who’d stayed home to run it. Her two siblings had both moved away but now wanted their inheritance in cash – and as soon as possible. There was no way for Sara could buy out her brother and sister. The farm was sold in its entirety, with many of the proceeds going toward taxes and legal fees. After the personal sacrifices and financial contributions Sara had made, she felt hurt and taken advantage of. She no longer farms and the family no longer speaks.
Darrin (32) and Ned (67) started exploring farm transfer options because Darrin wanted to dairy farm and Ned wanted the dairy to continue even though his own children were not interested in taking over.
Darrin moved into a trailer house on the property. He started out working for a salary but also had the option to buy cows, buildings and, eventually, land. As time passed, their relationship progressed from employer/employee to more of a partnership. By the time Ned was ready to retire, Darrin was in a position to buy the rest of Ned’s operation.
Before and while working with Darrin, Ned consulted his accountant, lawyer, and other advisors to ensure he and his family would be protected into retirement. This planning paid off, and now Darrin is a new generation on the farm – just as Ned had hoped would happen.
Ernest and Gertrude Squabble farmed their whole lives. Their daughter Sara was the only child interested in farming and gradually took over the operation as they aged. Sara repeatedly asked her parents about her place in the future of the farm business, but Ernest and Gertrude kept saying it was all taken care of in their will.
Ernest died first, and things went on as usual. But after Gertrude died and the will was read, Sara found out that the farm and all of its assets were to be divided equally between her and her two siblings.
Sara thought it was clear that she should get the farm. After all, she was the one who’d stayed home to run it. Her two siblings had both moved away but now wanted their inheritance in cash – and as soon as possible. There was no way for Sara could buy out her brother and sister. The farm was sold in its entirety, with many of the proceeds going toward taxes and legal fees. After the personal sacrifices and financial contributions Sara had made, she felt hurt and taken advantage of. She no longer farms and the family no longer speaks.
Fairgoers of all ages will connect agriculture to their daily lives with educational, engaging, and fun hands-on activities and games at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) 2024 State Fair exhibit.
A kid-oriented activity, sponsored by Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom, is scheduled daily from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. all 12 days of the fair. Children can make a seed bomb matrix at the booth, then take it home and plant it in their own yard or garden and see it grow!
In addition, the MDA’s Emerging Farmers Office will be providing resources that aim to help beginning and emerging farmers across the state in underrepresented farming communities. The office will supply information on land access, grants and resources, and language accessibility.
Farmer-members of the Minnesota Grown local foods promotion program will also be on hand to answer questions about their food production and farm operations, give out copies of the Minnesota Grown Directory of local farms and farmers markets, and to handout temporary tattoos, as well as Swedish dishcloths.
Furthermore, fairgoers can find out more about Minnesota’s invasive pests and noxious weeds, from spongy moth to emerald ash borer. The booth will provide an educational experience through a themed prize wheel with various questions regarding invasive species topics. Information on managing noxious weeds and steps to protect our environment from pests are also available.
The MDA State Fair exhibit is in the North Hall of the Agriculture/Horticulture Building at the northeast corner of Underwood Street and Judson Avenue on the fairgrounds. The Minnesota State Fair runs Thursday, August 22 through Labor Day, September 2. Exhibits are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, Communications Director
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us
