At least that was the message delivered to 350 participants at a recent 2001 Farm Family Enrichment Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Farm kids don't know if Mom and Dad want them to join the family business, and farm moms and dads don't know if their kids want to. People aren't talking to each other, said Luke Getz, FFA member and speaker. For parents, the hesitation to talk seems to involve feelings that it will lead to them having to give up control. Parents often use the same excuse for delaying estate planning, speakers said.
Communicating also is vital among family members already involved in the business.
Differences in desired returns, such as cash, growth or power are other sources of conflict. Jonovic suggests sitting down with family members, including in-laws, and having a formal discussion of issues. Make up an agenda. Changes in how farming is done and compensated have added stress to operations, according to Brown. Farm families often feel 'normal' no longer exists.