{"id":2214,"date":"2025-06-26T09:00:37","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T13:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/maine-farmer-resource-network\/?page_id=2214"},"modified":"2026-02-06T15:38:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T20:38:51","slug":"farm-coaching-supporting-relationships-for-farm-success","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/maine-farmer-resource-network\/farm-coaching-supporting-relationships-for-farm-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Farm Coaching: Communication and Succession"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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\"Farm<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Are you thinking about retirement? Wait, farmers don’t retire…or do they? Whether you’re just getting started, or are nearing age to begin collecting social security, it’s a good idea to have an exit strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you have an exit plan? There are many names for it: succession planning, estate planning, retirement planning. Whatever the name, knowing where you are headed is an important part of your overall business plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s never too early to start thinking about transition of your farm business, the land, and your legacy. Planning is a process that you’ll revisit over time. And farm coaching can help you with this planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm coaching helps with succession or long-term planning in many ways-getting you to the table<\/em> to have the conversations <\/em>and put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) <\/em>to get started. Coaching supports the conversations you haven’t yet had, are struggling to have, or are not moving forward in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top questions to consider to prepare for succession planning:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  • what\u2019s getting in the way of getting a succession plan together?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • how do I communicate with my family and farm team?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • what is an ideal work\/life balance for me?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • how can I scale back?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • what will retirement look like?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • how do I make a succession plan?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • who do I talk to about retirement decisions?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • when can I find time to talk to my farm team about a plan?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Spring 2026 Offerings: Individual Coaching or Group Cohorts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Individual Farm Coaching<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    You identify the issues and you meet with a team of two coaches at the frequency of your choice. In person or online meetings give you time to identify challenges and opportunities, develop a plan, and work together to make clear decisions. Coaching also explores:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • communicating with internal<\/strong> (management team, employees, or family members) and external<\/strong> (customers, other farms, service providers) supports<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • family transitions and farm succession<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • work\/life balance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • team building and how to delegate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Farm coaching helps you build management and communication skills focused on transition, goal setting, decision making, and succession planning. In coaching sessions, you will have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      • Structured opportunities for reflection and assessment to identify growth edges and understanding your needs and challenges in succession planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Coaching sessions on the farm in person or remotely using Zoom<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Support for individualized, clear goal setting for learning and skill building<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Between 1-4 sessions that are free and scheduled at your convenience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Group Cohorts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Held online: March through May. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        2026 Dates: March 2, March 15, March 30, April 13, April 20, May 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        For farmers who are considering or have already started succession planning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Every farm has a different path to succession. Sometimes developing that path can be challenging if you feel like you don’t have the time to talk through the process. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed with succession planning, join our goal-oriented group, where you’ll work alongside fellow farmers to understand the process and focus on the pieces most relevant to your farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        • The cohort-based model emphasizes peer to peer<\/strong> collaboration<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Online for six sessions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Each session follows a structured planning process<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Breakout sessions with other group members<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Homework between sessions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Learn communication tools and practice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Each participant in the cohort will complete a personalized binder:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          • Shared resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Components of a succession plan<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Timeline with action steps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            An intake meeting will be scheduled prior to the<\/strong> first meeting in March.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

            One-Time Coaching is Available – Want a quick consult? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            One-time coaching can help you organize your thoughts and think through the next steps with the farm, co-workers, sense of purpose, and family relationships. This consultation will help you talk through a conflict or decision point and if desired, you can request a referral to mediation or counseling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Farmers at any stage of business are invited to participate.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

            Complete this form to request a call to learn more about individual, group, or one-time coaching:<\/p>\n\n\n