Officials with Shelby County DevelopSource are inviting area farmers to a workshop in February designed to help families begin the conversation and put together a plan, on transitioning farms from retiring, to beginning farmers. The discussion and information will be held at the Shelby County Center of Iowa Western Community College, during a two day Farm Succession Conversation and Planning Workshop on February 8^th and 9^th. The workshops are planned as a multi-generational event for exiting owners and spouse and succeeding owners and spouse.

Workshops are held on consecutive days to allow for the initiations of conversations and written plans. The Succession Conversation and Planning workshop will feature several guest speakers including David Baker from Iowa State University and John Baker, Beginning Farmer Center Administrator and Attorney at Law. Over the two days, participants will review the retirement plan concept and receive information on transfer plans, estate plans and a process for creating a family statement of intention. Family groups will be given time to write a statement of intent and vision of the future.

The workshops will be held from noon to 8pm on Friday, the 8^th and 9am to 3pm on Saturday, the 9^th. Cost of the two day event is $150 per family of four, $25 per each additional person and includes refreshments and meals for both days. Interested Beginnings Farmers and Retired Farmers can register by contacting Jane Nielsen at Shelby County DevelopSource at 712-755-3569. Registrations must be received by Friday, January 25^th.

(Joel McCall/KNOD)