Imagining yourself at the helm of saving the family farm is one thing, but living it is a whole different story. Here are a few hard-earned lessons:
Expect the Unexpected
No matter how prepared you think you are, you’ll never be fully ready for the rollercoaster of overseeing the family farm.Get Your Documents in Order
This one’s non-negotiable. My wise husband, a financial planner, always said, “You can’t argue with facts.” Wills, recorded wishes, and documented facts cut through opinions and stand as the ultimate truth.Brace for Troublemakers
Unfortunately, old resentments can surface when emotions run high. Stay calm and composed. Remember, arguing with a fool only makes you the bigger fool.Involve a Neutral Third Party
A trusted, unbiased third party can be a godsend. My father’s trusted bookkeeper-turned-probate person was a blessing, focused solely on the best interests of the surviving spouse and children.Stay Strong
Navigating this unfamiliar path, I was guided by my father’s words, “Do the right thing…” It wasn’t easy, but moving forward despite the difficulties was essential. Although I lost some family members along the way, I stayed true to my parents’ plans for their financial and farming future.No Regrets
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Despite the challenges, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Jane Jenkins Herlong went from farm fields to fame as a Sirius XM Humorist and best-selling author, sharing the stage with Jeff Foxworthy and Jerry Seinfeld. Her five award-winning Southern-fried books include “Sweet Tea Secrets from the Deep-Fried South,” now at Cracker Barrel.
A Speaker Hall of Fame inductee, Jane overcame dyslexia by turning “NOs” into “NEXTs” with humor. Featured on Sirius XM, Pandora, and Spotify, she speaks English, Southern, Northern, and Lowcountry Gullah. From her family’s tomato farm to the Miss America Pageant and Radio City Music Hall, Jane’s inspiring journey turns “NOs” into “NEXTs,” one laugh at a time. Don’t miss her act.
