Deer Creek Farms: Tradition into the Future

Abstract

The Deer Creek Farms case study illustrates a family farm operation that is trying to identify how to transition the business to include the next generation. The family is currently growing corn, soybeans, and contract hogs. The family is faced with decisions to expand production in one or more of the current enterprises, exit out of one or more of the current enterprises, or diversify into additional enterprises. Each member of the family is given the task of proposing their vision of the farm's future. The examples illustrated through the Deer Creek Farms case study will assist agricultural producers as they monitor, identify, and manage strategic risk on their farms.