Oregon State University / Washington State University Extensions offer some great information in their "Farm and Ranch Survival Kit" publications. Issue 4, "Working Together to Create a Hopeful Future for Family Farms" includes suggestions on "What to Think About Before Joining Your Family Business", "Ten Rules of Transition Management", and more.

As stated in the opening sidebar, "The authors in this issue stress open communication between generations as the most important element of a successful estate plan."