If something happens to you , what are we going to do with the farm ?
COMMUNICATION IS KEY WHEN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
It ’ s an uncomfortable topic that nobody wants to discuss , but how will you respond when the next generation asks , “ If something happens to you , what are we going to do with the farm ?”
That ’ s exactly what started the conversation of succession planning for the Yon family in Ridge Spring , South Carolina .
Kevin and Lydia Yon are first-generation cattle producers who started their Angus seedstock business in 1996 . With help from friends , they acquired land for their 100 cows and , over the years , diversified by growing pecans and operating a retail store featuring their beef , local produce and pecan goodies .
Growing up , the Yon ’ s three children were involved with farm activities and learned early on about borrowing , paying off debts and the business aspects of the operation in addition to caring for the cattle .
Kevin and Lydia required each of their children to move away from home following high school for four years , including summers , to gain new experiences . When the kids went to college , the Yons found out that it takes more than family to make the operation work . While land and capital are more readily available , finding good people is the most limiting resource .
“ Finding people who had passion was key ,” said Kevin . “ We hire people who have a love of cattle and a love of the land .”
When the Yon children decided to return to the farm and start families of their own , Kevin and Lydia kept their employees too , so they needed to find ways to “ grow the pie ” and create opportunities for everyone to make a living . It also reinforced the importance of creating a succession plan .
“ There are two mistakes cattle producers make when it comes to succession planning : they don ’ t talk about it , and they don ’ t do anything about it ,” Kevin said . The Yons recognize succession planning is a strenuous process that takes a considerable investment in both time and money . They found the right team to help them , including an estate planner , accountant , personal attorney and lenders . It was a team approach from the beginning because they only wanted to do it once .
“ We know our plan is a work in progress and needs to be reviewed regularly , but the bulk of the work we wanted to do right the first time ,” explained Kevin . “ No plan is perfect and what works for our family doesn ’ t necessarily work for everyone .”
According to Kevin , communication is key to planning for the future and unfortunately not everyone is good at it . His advice is for each family member to make their desires known . For the Yon family , the priority is to keep the land intact . Cash can be divided , but they want the land to be available for future generations .
“ We must communicate , and we must have a shared vision and plan ,” said Kevin . “ It ’ s also important to give grace and give the younger generation the reins to succeed and make mistakes .”
The Yons recognize that making decisions for the future can be difficult and they remind other producers that often what is fair is not always equal .
“ We all need to look down the road ,” said Kevin . “ While we need to live in the present , we need to look ahead and think about the future and how it impacts the next generation .”
Watch the Cattlemen ’ s Webinar Series recording of “ Thinking Ahead : Succession Planning ” to hear more from the Yon family , plus how another farming family in Michigan manages generational transfer . Find the recording at NCBA . org .
If something happens to you , what are we going to do with the farm ?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MODIFIED LIVE VACCINE AND A KILLED VACCINE ?
For cattle producers , understanding the difference between these two is crucial for effective herd health management .
Modified live vaccines ( MLVs ) contain live but weakened pathogens . These vaccines stimulate a strong and long-lasting immune response , often with just one dose . They are very effective for viral diseases like bovine viral diarrhea ( BVD ). MLVs are ideal for use in healthy , non-pregnant cattle because they can quickly boost immunity and provide robust protection . However , they require careful handling and storage , and there is a slight risk of causing disease in pregnant cattle if not used correctly .
Killed vaccines , on the other hand , contain pathogens that have been inactivated and cannot cause disease . These vaccines are generally safer for use in pregnant cows , calves and immunocompromised animals . Common killed vaccines include leptospirosis , clostridial strains and others . Killed vaccines require multiple doses to achieve and maintain immunity , as the immune response they generate is not as strong as that of MLVs . They also have a longer shelf life and are easier to store and handle .
Vaccine tips : Work with your herd veterinarian to understand which vaccines would benefit your herd and business model . Always read the product label to understand which pathogens are included , when booster doses are recommended , proper storage conditions and doses , and if the vaccines are safe for pregnant animals . Follow Beef Quality Assurance guidelines when handling and giving animal health products .
If you have a question you ’ d like answered by the NCBA team , submit it to producered @ beef . org .
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