For the second program component, each family completes a financial analysis of their business. This helps them determine if the business is large enough to support another partner. In addition to evaluating the size and profitability of the business, the computer model helps them evaluate alternative plans. Through this process, all family members are made aware of the financial status of the business and are provided a forum for discussing production practices, attitudes toward risk, and other important issues. The third major component is goal-setting.
Family members articulate their hopes and fears as they complete and discuss self-assessment tests.
This provides a foundation for the next step-writing shared goals. Two Friday-Saturday weekend sessions, about one month apart, result in 26 workshop hours. Typically the first workshop is held just before semester break, and the second one just after the beginning of the second semester. Everyone in the family associated with the farm or ranch is strongly encouraged to attend. This includes mother and father, son or daughter, and their spouse or significant other.