If you haven’t yet planned for the long-term future of your family farm, the Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation is making it easy to get started. Registration is now open for the 2017 estate and succession planning workshop, which will be held July 20 in Indianapolis.

The Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a focus on developing educational and legal initiatives that support the advancement of Indiana agriculture. “Estate & Succession Planning for the Family Farm” is open to anyone interested in understanding the importance of estate and succession planning to their business and walking away with valuable tips for getting started.

“Like most small business professionals, family farmers have a tremendous need for thoughtful, extensive estate planning. It’s one of the only issues affecting every farmer in the state,” said John Shoup, director of INAgLaw. “Estate planning can be intimidating to begin, but with it comes the peace of mind of knowing your affairs are in order for the good of your family.”

The event in July is designed to make it easy for farmers and attorneys alike to execute estates that meet the unique needs of family farmers. Unlike many other estate planning events, INAgLaw’s event takes time to focus on how communication factors into estate planning.

“It all starts with family communication,” said Shoup. “We give our farmers tips for starting what can be a sensitive conversation for a family.”

The event’s sessions include:

• “Land Value Considerations in Succession Planning” with Dr. Jason R. Henderson, associate dean and director of Purdue Extension.
• “General Overview of Estate and Succession Planning” with Kyle Mandeville, attorney, Bennett Boehning & Clary LLP.
• “Planned Giving Options as Part of the Estate Plan” with Matthew Treadwell, planned giving specialist, National FFA Foundation.
• “Purdue Initiative for Family Firms” with Renee Wiatt, family business management specialist.
• “Farming Together to Transition Your Legacy” with Barbara Dartt, DVM, MS, senior consultant, the Family Business Consulting Group, and Dan Gordon, partner, Gordon & Associates.

Family farmers and attorneys are encouraged to attend on Thursday, July 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Indiana Farm Bureau headquarters in Indianapolis. Registration ends July 13 unless maximum capacity is reached in advance of that date. You can register today at www.INAgLaw.org. Registration is $35 per person and $60 for all attorneys seeking CLE credits.