This November, Monitor Farm Scotland held impactful impactful sessions in Elgin (3rd Nov) and Edinburgh (7th Nov) whereby farming families came together to tackle some of the toughest conversations in agriculture—succession planning, management transition, and family communication.

Led by Lydia Carpenter, with remote insights from Elaine Froese, these workshops created a safe space for open dialogue and practical strategies to strengthen farm businesses for the future.

Why These Conversations Matter

These conversations are not always easy—but they are necessary. Succession isn’t just about legal documents—it’s about relationships, clarity, and planning ahead. Avoiding these discussions can lead to stress, conflict, and uncertainty. Participants willingness to show up, speak up, and lean into the tough topics is what makes the Monitor Farm Scotland programme truly farmer led and farmer driven.

Top Takeaways from the Events

• Start Early: Succession planning works best when it’s proactive, not reactive.
• Communicate Clearly: Use structured family meetings to reduce tension.
• Protect Business Continuity: Planning ahead safeguards both the farm and family relationships.

What Participants Said

“Future planning is essential regardless of how difficult it may be and it is so comforting to know there are resources out there to help.”
“Mindset is very important – we now have a plan for our next family meeting and will be able to move things forward based on what we learnt today.”

Resources & Next Steps

• Download the slides from the events → See below
• Listen to the Monitor Farm podcast: Field Talk for an introduction to the topic and a live round up from the events:
• 1. Discuss the Undiscussabull Comes to Scotland
• 2. Coaching for Clarity – Making a Positive Difference
• 3. Mediation Matters – Finding common ground in farming families
• 4. Tackling transition successfully – how it can be done
• 5. Discuss the Undiscussabull – The power of talking it through
• Watch Lydia Carpenter’s recap video → Monitor Farm Scotland YouTube Channel
• Access a copy of the Discuss the Undiscussabull Succession Planning Guide → contact greid@qmscotland.co.uk

Thank You

A huge thank you to our speakers, Lydia Carpenter and Elaine Froese, for sharing their expertise and compassion. And to RSABI, Farmstrong Scotland, and Gordon Davies your support has been invaluable and reminds us that help is always available.

Let’s keep the conversation going – at home, on the farm, and in our communities.