Ron Rabou shares his family’s farm transition story and explains how honest conversations can save farms and relationships. 

Ron Rabou vividly re­­members the confusion and stress following the unexpected, tragic death of his father.

The southeast Wyoming farmer experienced firsthand how quickly grief and loss can turn into turmoil when a family — despite its best efforts — faces an estate planning challenge after tragedy. 

It’s why he now tells farm families that succession failures aren’t born from a lack of knowledge; rather, they come from avoiding the conversations that matter most.

“I remember going into my dad’s hospital...