Once owners, successors and the objective third party have discussed the assessments and come to a shared understanding of the successors’ needs, it’s time to draft the development plan for the successor(s).

Using the areas for improvement identified in the assessments of the successor, owners and successors should work together to map out a development plan for the successor that will ensure they get the development opportunities, experience, and training needed to take over the farm.  

Next, discuss the source of development information, experience or training that will be most appropriate, using the assessment of the owner(s). Perhaps some things can be learned from the owner(s).

It’s good practice to start the successors’ development as soon as possible. This ensures opportunities for skills development and to gain experience are taken advantage of and also gets things rolling just in case the succession has to happen earlier than expected.