A recent episode of ABC’s Landline focused on challenges of inter-generational succession of family cane farms brought about by factors such as the ageing farming population, urban development and the younger generation having found jobs in the mining boom deciding either not to come back to farming or facing difficulties funding the buy out of the farm. Some solutions that have been found include leasing farms or Mackay Sugar procuring international funding partners to acquire farms. This very interesting story can be accessed at: http://www.abc.net.au/landline/content/2014/s4134169.htm.

The Bush Telegraph on ABC’s Radio National also ran a story recently observing the example of share farming in New Zealand which could become more popular in this country, but also noting that succession farming is one of the biggest challenges to the future viability of farms. This story can be accessed at: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bushtelegraph/australia-farms/5815050.

Some further information on succession cases involving family farms can be accessed on our website at: http://www.kellylegal.com.au/module/documents/download/67.