Potato Grower

18 POTATO GROWER | JUNE 2020 for resolving conflicts. "With these in hand, we are able to deal with issues which are certain to arise." Loumbas minces no words: Get it in writing. What does he recommend? A mission statement—a clear, concise document that spells out both the ground rules and the vision for the family legacy. "I call it the North Star," he says. "It's always there to provide guidance, to help you figure out the correct direction." Mission statements are not inherently hard to create. But having a facilitator can help. "It's a sensitive process to begin with," says Loumbas. "And the wealth originator has zero experience doing it. It's like asking a novice to climb Mt. Everest." The mission statement is the key to ensuring that the wealth originator's wishes are both understood and honored; when his or her beliefs are memorialized in the mission statement, family unity can be preserved. "Memory is fickle and often unreliable," says Loumbas. "The mission statement is organic, intended to be both durable and flexible. Once the wealth originator is gone, figuring out what he or she would've wanted is like throwing darts at the wall, and very likely to create conflict. Fortunately, it's a solvable problem, as long as you're properly prepared. Once it's too late, that's when things can go south." BEST ADVICE: START EARLY Like many things with a lot of moving parts, the process can take time. "On average, I'd say it takes about five years to get a succession plan fully in place," says Salisbury. "Ideally, the process can be completed while the wealth originator is still alive." So, if you and your family will eventually deal with issues around succession and family governance, it's best to start soon. Later generations will still be thanking you for years to come. For more information visit greentronics.com or contact us at 519-669-4698 As a leader in precision agriculture systems we off er unique solutions specifi cally designed with the root and vegetable producer in mind. DELIVER A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF BRUISE FREE AND MARKETABLE PRODUCT • More time for operators to keep an eye on other aspects of the harvesting job • Fewer worries about bruise with inexperienced operators • RiteDrop sensors are reliable, accurate and ideal for measuring distance in dusty environments • System is designed to work with existing hydraulic solenoid valves • Smart self-calibration automatically adjusts to the equipment's hydraulics • ISOBUS compatible version optionally available • Sensors mounted in heavy duty self-pivoting housings • Alternative applications on windrower stingers, Evenfl o tubs, and other conveyors where correct height is critical. CALL TO RECEIVE A SPECIAL OFFER TODAY! RiteDrop Automatic Drop Height Controller The RiteDrop system works with two rugged sonar sensors connected to a small controller which automatically lifts and lowers the truck loading boom as needed When laying out a plan for the family business, it's vital to think long-term— generations into the future.

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