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Delivering Farm/Ranch Transition and Estate Planning Education Electronically

Willie Huot

Summary

North Dakota’s low population density and distance between larger communities makes distance-learning opportunities a desirable alternative for many residents. The state also has an interactive television network capable of reaching audiences in nearly every community with a K – 12 educational system. The population distribution, combined with the interactive television infrastructure, makes distance learning education well suited for many communities throughout the state.

Utilizing this technology has been vital in the delivery of risk management education. Since 2005, over 1,000 women have participated in the Annie’s Project classes that have been delivered, in part, via Interactive Television.

In the spring of 2010, this system was expanded to deliver “next level” educational programs in risk management addressing Farm/Ranch Transition and Estate Planning. A three part series that focused primarily on communication, pros and cons of various farm/ranch arrangements, and tax consequences of various asset transfer/succession plan options was developed and delivered at 18 locations across the state. The program will be offered at 9 more sites in March, 2011.

For these projects, the state coordinator works closely with extension field staff, specialists and network administrators to schedule and deliver parts of the sessions electronically. Local experts are identified at each location to present information supporting/supplementing the specialists’ presentations. All session focus on farm/ranch transition issues and concerns.

Overall evaluations from participants reveal that over 90% indicate these sessions have greatly increased their knowledge of transition planning issues and also improved their confidence to develop/improve an existing transition plan for their farm/ranch business.

Details

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