Episode 13: Where Do You Start With Farm Succession?

In this episode of the Future Farming Families Podcast, Chris Mulcahy tackles one of the most common questions he hears from farming families across Australia: "Where do we begin?" He explores why succession is often delayed, the misconceptions that keep families stuck, and why uncertainty, not procrastination, is usually the real barrier.Chris introduces the Australian Family Farm Transition Benchmark, a free assessment designed to help families understand their current level of succession readiness and identify areas that need attention. He also shares insights gained from more than 25 years of working with farming families, highlighting the importance of starting early, leading succession from within the family, and treating succession as an ongoing process rather than a one-off event.In this episode, you'll learn:Why having a will is not the same as having a succession planThe most common reasons families avoid succession conversationsHow leadership and communication influence succession outcomesThe risks of delaying planning until a crisis occursHow the Family Farm Transition Benchmark can provide a practical starting pointThe role of education, planning, and professional advice in creating successful transitionsIf you're unsure where to start with farm succession, this episode offers practical guidance and a clear first step toward becoming succession ready.