Bob is 27 years old. Bob farms with his Dad, his uncle, and his cousin. They farm 6800 acres. They own 5400 acres (Bob's Dad owns 2500, Bob's uncle 2400, his cousin 320 acres, and Bob owns 160). Bob's father wants to retire in 5 years. Bob's uncle has no plans to retire. Bob's cousin does not want to farm but he wants to maintain his ownership of land as an investment. The rest of the land is rented. Bob would like to take over his father's land. Bob likes to make decisions and does not want to work with absentee owners. Bob does not have much free cash or access to capital, outside of an operating loan. Bob's father wants to retire and be "completely out". He wants to sell all his land and assets and move to Vancouver Island. Bob has three siblings. None want to farm.

what is the best ownership structure for this farm? What should Bob do to plan for the future?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

a Given the family dynamics and Bobs preference for making decisions without absentee owners a possi... View the full answer