We provided educational opportunities for agricultural and timber producers, land owners, and those interested in using succession planning as a method of farmland conservation throughout the state of South Carolina. Although farmland conservation was only a small portion of the program we had received some comments to leave that out or we spent more time than necessary on it which we will shorten even further moving forward.
Producers and landowners were able to participate in half-day or full-day programs that provided information and materials to develop a succession/transition plan, an estate plan and financial statements.
Following the completion of the program, participants are be able to meet with Team members if they have met specified criteria. We are finding that in most cases we need to assist the farmer/family/land-owner in completing this information except some of the more basic items.
The goal(s) of the initiative was to:
1. Provide the knowledge necessary to prepare a succession/transition plan
2. Provide the tools necessary to complete a plan
3. Participants develop a plan within 18-months following participation in the program
4. Implement the plan(s) within 36-months of program completion.
We are continuing to work with individuals and will continue to monitor progress.