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Farming

Farming and agri-business are different than any other industry - it's not just your business, it's your house, and it's not just your home, it's your livelihood. You need someone who understands the challenges you face and has experience with the intricacies of your world.

Rural business has become increasingly complex. From employment disputes to farm finance, syndications to succession planning - the modern farm professional must have a handle on a broad range of commercial disciplines.

We know that, more than ever, success requires hard graft, specialist knowledge and a real team effort. That's exactly what you'll get from our experienced team of legal advisers.

The contribution that farm owners and the rural sector have made to our region is significant and we take pride in our firm's history of working with generations of Wellington and Wairarapa farming families through our merger with Logan Gold Walsh in August 2015.

The intricacies of farming and agri-business encompass areas we're experts in, such as:

 
Buying or selling your farm

When you're considering buying or selling your farm, it's not just your home - it's your livelihood. All of the history and hard graft that have been put in, often over generations of families can make these decisions harder than most.

Our team of specialist rural conveyancers understand the complexities and can handle even the trickiest farm sale or purchase. We specialise in this area, we know the right questions to ask, and can help you get the deal done with the minimum of fuss.

For Rural Conveyancing enquiries contact Julie Millar or Nigel Moody.

 
Ownership models (including Syndication)

Alternative ownership models like Syndication are now very much a part of New Zealand's rural economy.

The growth in farm syndication has come from the likes of:
  • share-milkers looking at different ways to grow their dairy interests,
  • professionally managed farming syndicates marketed to the public including existing farmers and new investors,
  • smaller groups of individuals sharing their resources to provide rationalisation of assets, skills and economies of scale.

Managed farm syndicates are now part of the investment landscape and provide a useful facility to existing farmers seeking to diversify and contribute their skills and experience. New non-farming investors are attracted by the opportunities presented.

Whilst these managed syndicates are generally professionally managed, documented and presented, the more usual "closely held" syndicates can sometimes be more hit and miss. This is understandable given the range of issues to be addressed in setting up a farming syndicate in, usually a constrained period.

You'll often hear the saying "the devil is in the detail" - farm syndications are no exception. There is no substitute for good preparation, a clear process, full understanding, and commitment.

For further information contact Julie Millar.
 

Farm Succession
 

We believe that farm succession is a process more than an event. It needs to be undertaken with good judgment, practical advice, understanding of, and empathy with, all family members.

Farm succession can be a challenging journey. Often family members have different goals and expectations. A major challenge is managing the interests of family members and achieving fairness.

As specialists in farm succession, we work through a process with you to obtain the best outcome possible - for everyone.

To make this process as easy as possible for everyone and because no two family situations are identical, we'll work with you and your family to facilitate a focussed and constructive journey tailored to you. We will:

  • keep your family at the forefront of our advice,
  • meet with you and your family on your patch,
  • establish your wishes, priorities, and concerns,
  • work with you to confirm your plan is appropriate,
  • work alongside your other rural and professional advisors for the best outcome, and
  • charge a fair fee for the work undertaken.

It's best to start the discussion early
Raising the issue of farm succession can be tricky. As a result, often families don't discuss succession until there is a trigger event. Generally, this will already be a stressful time and less than ideal for starting this type of discussion.

Starting the discussion before a trigger event is best. Family members will need time to think things through. A process that starts with listening to all family members' perspectives is the most constructive.

Start your succession planning early and you'll benefit from increased motivation and security, as everyone will know where they stand.

We'll help you achieve your goal
Your top priority is transferring an economically viable farming business to the next generation without jeopardising your intended lifestyle. Our specialists can help you achieve this.

For more information, or to discuss your farm succession, contact Julie Millar.

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