On Demand: Farm Succession Planning Outside of the Family

Harry Biermans was the owner of Bierman Farms, a Bruce County cash cropping operation. In 2005 he took on a highschool co-op student, Mark Ribey. From there, their relationship has developed into a transition partnership beneficial to both parties.

Murray Jamieson was a beef producer looking to scale down his operation, but not wanting to sell or move from the farm. Kevin Smelser was a young beef producer looking for a farm to operate out of. The two came to a transition agreement about six years ago and have been working together ever since.

Erich Weber is the Business Finance Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. In this role, Erich provides information related to financial management, taxation, and business structures for farmers and agri-food processors. Prior to working with OMAFRA, Erich worked in a local accounting firm where he focused on farm accounting and taxation, and obtained his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Erich attended the University of Guelph, where he studied Agricultural Business. He and his parents own a beef cow/calf, feeder and cash crop farm in Grey County.

Robb Wagner is a Business Opportunities & Market Strategies Specialist at OMAFRA, and will be facilitating this panel.