On July 23, UnCommon Farms hosted its highly anticipated “Unlock Your Personalized Roadmap to Succession Success” workshop in Des Moines, Iowa, drawing farm families from across the region who were eager to plan for the future of their operations. The event, held at Nationwide on Locust Street, ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and was designed to give participants a practical and personalized strategy for passing down their farms to the next generation. Many attendees expressed that guidance from someone like our Des Moines, IA business succession planning lawyer could be an essential part of making the lessons learned at the workshop a reality.
Led by Mike Downey, UnCommon Farms’ senior member coach and succession-planning lead, and Paul Neiffer, a CPA with the Farm CPA Report, the workshop focused on turning what can feel like an overwhelming process into an organized, achievable plan. The agenda included sessions on the common traits of highly successful farm transitions, strengthening business and family foundations, and ensuring smooth management and leadership transitions. Topics such as business continuity, governance, estate planning, and wealth preservation were central to the discussions.
One of the main takeaways from the day was the importance of aligning the farm’s business structure with the family’s long-term goals. Attendees were encouraged to address potential areas of conflict early, create open communication channels, and develop leadership skills within the next generation. The speakers emphasized that succession planning is not just about transferring ownership — it’s about making sure that the farm’s values, work ethic, and mission endure after you (the owner) step down.
The collaborative environment allowed participants to exchange ideas and learn from one another’s experiences, leaving with actionable next steps and a roadmap tailored to their farm’s unique needs. While every farm’s journey is different, one consistent theme emerged: succession planning works best when professional guidance from a corporate succession attorney is involved from the start.
We Help Business Owners Plan For Their Future
Succession planning for any business — especially farms — requires careful legal and financial strategy. This is where working with our Des Moines business succession planning attorneys becomes invaluable. Whether you are a multi-generational family farm or a growing agricultural enterprise, attorneys experienced in succession matters can help address the legal challenges of ownership transfer, management transition, and preserving wealth for future generations.
At the Law Group of Iowa, we have extensive experience helping clients create comprehensive succession plans that cover governance structures, financial protections, and family agreements. From drafting legally binding transfer documents to coordinating with accountants and financial planners, our ownership transfer attorneys guide you through every step of the process. Our role is to help you avoid disputes, maintain family harmony, and keep your business — and its values — thriving for decades to come.
If you are considering passing your farm or business to the next generation, now is the time to put a plan in place. The strategies shared during the UnCommon Farms workshop provided a strong foundation, but professional legal support from our dedicated estate and business planning lawyers helps to promote a secure foundation. Contact the Law Group of Iowa today to speak with our Des Moines business succession planning lawyers. With over 60 years of combined experience, we’re well-equipped to help you plan for your company’s future. We also offer a full range of legal services, so we can aid in everything from future planning to contract issues and dealing with partnership disputes. We’re here to help you create a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and safeguards your legacy.
