Planning Ahead to Avoid Crisis and Protect your Operation

In farming families, the lines between business and personal life are often blurred. Your spouse may be your business partner, confidant, co-manager or the person who handles all the little things that keep the farm—and your family—running smoothly.

But what if they were suddenly gone?

It’s not an easy question to ask. In fact, many avoid it entirely. But the truth is, being unprepared for the death of a spouse can leave the surviving partner not only heartbroken but overwhelmed by tasks, decisions and responsibilities they may have never handled before.

Preparing for the possibility of losing your spouse isn’t just a financial decision—it’s an act of love and practicality. Taking time now to share knowledge and create a plan can make a world of difference when the unimaginable happens.

How Much Do you Know About your Spouse’s Role?

On most farms, spouses divide responsibilities—one may handle the fieldwork, while the other takes care of the books, payroll or running to town for parts. But ask yourself honestly: if something happened to your spouse tomorrow, how much of that could you take over?

Would you know:

  • Where to find financial documents?
  • Who to call for feed deliveries or equipment repairs?
  • How to access online accounts or pay bills?
  • Which banker, insurance agent or tax advisor you work with?

If the answer is no—or even “kind of”—it’s time to sit down and start having those conversations. The goal isn’t to duplicate each other’s efforts but to build enough shared understanding that either spouse could step in, at least temporarily, to keep the operation running.

Practical Steps to Start Preparing

  1. Meet With Advisors Together
    Don’t let one spouse be the only one attending meetings with your banker, CPA, financial advisor or attorney. These professionals should know you both and understand your goals as a couple. If something happens and you’re not the spouse who typically handles business matters, it’ll be much easier to make decisions if those relationships already exist.
  2. Write Everything Down
    You don’t need to memorize every detail—just make sure it’s documented. Passwords, bank account info, equipment maintenance schedules, vendor contacts and livestock records should all be stored in a place that’s easy to find. A shared binder, spreadsheet or secure digital document can work—whatever makes sense for your household. Tools like a Letter to My Loved Ones can help guide the process.
  3. Pay Attention to the Little Stuff
    Even small things matter. Do you know how to log into the farm accounting software? How to start the tractor? When the propane tank usually gets filled? These details may not seem important—until the day you’re the only one available to handle them.
  4. Know Enough to Take Over—Temporarily or Permanently
    You don’t have to be an expert in your spouse’s day-to-day, but you should know enough to keep the wheels turning. Could you write the checks, order supplies or talk to the vet if needed? The farm may never run exactly the same, but it shouldn’t come to a halt.

It’s Not Just About the Farm—It’s About you

Planning for the death of a spouse isn’t just about protecting the farm. It’s about protecting each other. Knowing you could step in gives peace of mind, not just for business reasons, but for your own sense of security and confidence.

Marriage and farming both demand teamwork. The stronger your communication and shared knowledge, the better prepared you’ll be—not just for tragedy, but for transitions, retirements and growth.

Start the conversation now. Take small steps. Don’t wait for life to force your hand.

Because on the farm, being prepared can make all the difference.

Contact an Adams Brown agriculture advisor to help you facilitate this conversation and begin planning with confidence.