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!

View the Pre-Conference Agenda Here

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.

Annie Dee, Dee River Ranch

Annie Dee is President of Dee River Ranch, which she farms with her brother Mike, her two sons Seth and Jesse and their families. The 10,000-acre family farm in western Alabama and eastern Mississippi grows primarily corn and soybeans. In Addition, the ranch has over 1,000 head of Brahman and Angus crossbred cattle, along with pine and hardwoods. She is a graduate of Clemson University with a bachelor's degree in Animal Industries and sits on many boards including Alabama Ag Credit, formerly on the United Soybean Board, and others. 

Annie was recognized in 2013 as "Alabama Farmer of Year" for her passion in soil conservation, no till and cover crops and innovative conservation and precision management practices including an advanced irrigation network, aimed at protecting the environment. Annie and Mike were able to successfully navigate the purchase of the farm from their other 10 siblings or their estates with the help of 3 different groups of facilitators. The whole process took 10 years to accomplish. 

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.