Transitioning the family farm from one generation to another can be an emotionally charged and complex issue. Knowing who should be at the table discussing the farm’s future and how best to approach a transition plan can be difficult for families who have never gone through such a plan.

But through the Iowa Farm Bureau’s Take Root program, farm families can get the necessary help to put a sustainable plan in place.

Three Take Root sessions are scheduled for this summer in Iowa, Crawford and Madison counties.

• Iowa County, June 6 and June 19 at the Kinze Innovation Center, 2172 M Ave., Will­iamsburg.

• Crawford County, June 7 and June 27 at the Boulder Conference Center, 2507 Boulders Drive, Denison.

• Madison County, Aug. 22 and Sept. 5 at the Jackson Building, 1146 W Summit St., Winterset

"Take Root is more than just estate and transition planning," said Amanda Van Steenwyk, farm business development manager at the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. "Take Root provides strategies and resources that will improve family communication, assist in navigating through the emotional ob­­stacles and identify the business and estate planning tools that correspond with transferring the family business to the next generation."

Since the program’s inception in 2013, more than 3,300 members have participated in Take Root workshops held throughout the state.

The current format for the Take Root program is designed to allow families to go more in-depth with their planning.

Take Root workshops are a series of two, three-hour meetings, where attendees will receive information and resources useful in developing a managed, comprehensive approach to family farm succession.

For more information, please go to http://programs.iowafarmbureau.com/takeroot/.