Generations in farm families : transfer of the family farm in New Zealand

Abstract

This report presents data from a study of the farm transfer process between generations of farm families in Canterbury. A small, non random sample of men and women were interviewed, and their responses were used to carefully develop a detailed understanding of farm transfer. Initial ideas were tested in later interviews as the grounded theory approach was used to allow farm men and women to indicate the key factors in farm transfer. Results cover entry, 'into it' and exit phases and the discussion examines farm entry and retirement, involvement in the farm, lifecycle differences, and choosing the successor. Hypothesis for future research are developed and specified. Findings from this study tell as much about how farm men and women move through their business and family lives as they do about how farms are transferred from one generation to the next.