Working with stuckness: lessons from an intervention to support intergenerational transitions on Australian dairy farms

Abstract

Intergenerational succession/transition is a critical process for the success and longevity of family and smallholder farming. We investigate how families can be supported to work through the issues that can impede timely action on succession through a study of an advisory intervention delivered to 14 Australian dairy farming families. We identify four recurring features, termed sources of stuckness, that were impeding succession on these farms. One-on-one support by a skilled advisor and working with a structured process helped create an effective advisory relationship, enabling most of the participating farms to progress in their succession process.