WEST DES MOINES – Workshops designed to help farmers and ranchers prepare to transition their family farm or ranch to the next generation are coming to Iowa.

The workshops, presented by Farm Bureau Financial Services, will be held throughout 2019. The first four workshops will be held in March.

Called “Changing Hands – Your Legacy, Their Future”, these workshops aim to help farmers and ranchers map out a strategy to protect their legacy for future generations and help ensure a successful transition.

The workshops will be free and open to the public and are a part of Farm Bureau Financial Services efforts to help prepare Iowa farmers and ranchers to make business succession decisions.

Nearly all farms in the U.S. – about 99 percent – are owned by families, and 70 percent of U.S. farmland will likely transfer in the next two decades.

“The Changing Hands – Your Legacy, Their Future” workshops will help guide farmers and ranchers through important questions such as “how can I treat all my heirs fairly?” or “how can I protect my assets?”

The workshops also help address the complexities of financial, emotional, and family dynamics.

“Farm Bureau Financial Services has a long history of serving farmers and ranchers, and we’re proud to continue that service with our Farm & Ranch Succession Workshops,” said Nancy Wiles, Marketing Communications Vice President with Farm Bureau Financial Services. “These workshops are a great opportunity for farmers and ranchers to start thinking about the transition process. It’s not something people like to think about, but it’s an important step to take to help ensure the continuation of their life’s work.”

New workshops and their locations are announced regularly. Workshops are free and open to the public. Registration is required. For more information, please visit fbfs.com/changing-hands.

Locally, “Changing Hands Your Legacy, Their Future,” workshop will be held on March 7 at the Highland Country Club in Iowa Falls beginng at 11 a.m.

About Farm Bureau Financial Services

Through an exclusive, multi-state agent force, the companies affiliated with the Farm Bureau Financial Services brand underwrite, market and distribute a broad range of insurance and financial services products to individuals and businesses. Learn more about us by visiting www.fbfs.com.