Use the topics and tools included in The DIRTT Project to jump-start the succession planning process for your operation whether you are just beginning or need to get on track.

• Learn how to set goals for both the transitioning owners and the operation.
• Learn how to create a plan to ensure that your heirs and successors are ready to lead and work effectively together.
• Learn how to address family disharmony or handle communication with successors who do not get along.
• Learn how to choose your professional team and hold them accountable for the work they will be doing for you.

Network with and learn from other farmers in transition.

Date:  Monday, February 5, 2024
Time:  8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Cost: $219

Simply add this option when registering for the event!
 

Pre-Event Workshop led by:
Rena Striegel, President, Transition Point Business Advisors

Rena Striegel is an internationally recognized business coach and consultant with over 20 years of experience working directly with farmers, ag leaders, senior executives and entrepreneurs to identify and implement strategies that create growth and profitability. In her role with Transition Point Business Advisors, she leads client projects in the areas of strategic planning, business succession and continuity planning and employee/leadership development. Most of her current clients are large family-owned farm operations. Rena grew up on a dairy and hog farm in What Cheer, Iowa, and she is a professional EOS implementer as well as a certified business coach and holds an MBA from the University of Iowa.

Steve Henry, LongView Farms

Steve Henry serves as CEO for LongView Farms. He grew up actively participating in the family farm operation. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Farm Operation from Iowa State University, he worked as an ag lender in Nebraska for Farm Credit Services and then for Metropolitan. Since returning to farm in 1988, Steve has taken advantage of numerous educational opportunities including the Ferguson Agri-Management Institute, Texas A & M’s Executive Program for Ag Producers and Purdue’s Top Crop Farmer Program. Steve has served on the Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors, Heart of Iowa Co-op Board and is currently the President on the Farm Credit Services of America Board. Locally, he is involved in Rotary and Cornerstone Church.

Ron Rabou

With over 20 years of speaking experience and work with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, Ron Rabou is a breath of fresh air. Not spit-polished ready to deliver a canned message, Ron offers a non-traditional approach that is enjoyable, refreshing and thought provoking. Scrapping the "I talk, you listen" approach, his presentations are interactive, fun and enlightening-all things needed in our sometimes overwhelming lives. Ron is a true entrepreneur with a career thus far that includes vast experience in speaking, communications training, public relations, fundraising, foundation and private business experience. He is co-author of a self-help book, "Keep it Simple: The 12 Core Values that Lead to Personal and Professional Success" and in his second book, "Make your OWN Way", shares his personal story of family farm transition and how to move forward in a changing world. He is also the past host of the radio program, "ReThink on the Radio". He owns and manages multiple companies, including an organic wheat farm, numerous real estate interests, a music production company, and a hunting and guiding business. He is a member of the Cheyenne Rotary Club and a graduate of the University of Wyoming and resides on his farm near Albin, Wyoming with his wife and 3 sons.

Nancy B. Brannaman

Nancy B. Brannaman grew up on a 600-acre grain in north central Illinois. As one of four daughters, Nancy helped her father with fieldwork from the age of 10. Today, along with her sisters, she is the sixth generation to own this operation. Nancy manages the operation, providing accounting, marketing, and financial analyses.  In addition, Nancy works on the farm, and collaborates closely with their custom operator on all farm production decisions. Nancy earned a BS degree in Agricultural Business and Farm Operation, and a MS in Ag Economics and Finance at Iowa State University. She was the first woman Iowa State University Extension Area Farm Management. In May 1992, shortly after the Soviet Union broke up, Nancy, her husband John, and their 13-year-old daughter, Hannah, traveled to southern Ukraine to work for an ag development program sponsored by the State of Iowa.  They later moved to rural Russia, helping 600 private farms develop a membership organization, and establish a farmer-owned cooperative.  In 2000, Nancy joined the U.S. Dept. of State Foreign Service.  She has worked in every facet of embassy management serving in Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Albania, German, Romania, and South Sudan. 
She and her husband, John, live in northeast Johnson County, Iowa where they are developing 56 acres of timber, specialty crops, and native prairie adjoining John’s family farm.  They are helping beginning specialty crop farmers now.

Chris Payne

Chris Payne and his wife Darci each grew up on a farm but never thought they would own a farm of their own.  Chris worked for a local farmer and Darci as a bookkeeper for a CPA firm. After some unexpected medical issues, the mounting bills precipitated some major changes to their livelihood. Chris knew his employer wasn’t too far from retiring so we acquired a small loan from family and put a down payment on a tractor and baler.  While still working full-time for his employer, 3B Hay & Straw was founded as a side hustle.   When his employer retired, Chris was able to lease a portion of those acres to start his own farming adventure. Over the last 15 years, the farm has undergone tremendous growth.  The Payne’s knew they had to make some strategic changes to their business to accommodate the continued growth and additional family wanting to come back to the farm.  During their attendance at a “The DIRTT Project®” seminar, they realized that was just what they were looking for and the next steps started to fall into place. Chris and Darci have been working with a team of professionals to help guide them through the process of sustained growth, sustainability planning and succession planning for future generations. The Payne’s reside in Ontario, Oregon and grow onions, sugar beets, corn, wheat, and alfalfa along with running an onion packing and shipping facility.  Two of their three children are back on the farm as of this spring with one still in high school.  They have one grandchild.

Todd Malecha

Over the course of my career I have developed a passion for achieving goals, growing businesses, and creating new markets. I enjoy the opportunity to identify and cultivate talented leaders within our organizations, and providing servant leadership to aid them in reaching individual and company goals. With a family-first approach I continue to add value and ensure the viability of our operations for generations to come. Currently my wife and I own and operate four business units, all based at our home/office near Villard, MN. We began our business when we were married in 1989. At that time, we had a Ford Taurus automobile, lived in a $1,000 14' x 70' trailer home and had $5,000 of medical bills. Through hard work, creativity and tenacity we have built a substantial agricultural business focusing in both production and custom services. Today, two generations are active in the business. We have seven children.  Five of them, and one in-law, have key roles in the businesses. I am fortunate to have learned from and developed mentor relationships with thought leaders and professionals spanning multiple disciplines all around the world. I believe in continual education and learning, formally and informally, to further my knowledge and effectiveness.