By Willie Huot, NDSU Extension Agent Farm Business Mgt. & Economics

Situation State Population 642,000 Majority of people live in 10 population centers Large part of population live in near Eastern NDSU located on Eastern border 33 of 53 counties less than 6000 population 40 of 53 counties less than 10,000 population

Distance Education Technology Started in 1991 Universities & larger counties Has continued to grow in locations & Usage Majority of population is familiar with technology University usage has continued to expand

Interactive Video Network Technology Now Available in nearly every county Universities/colleges Experiment stations Extension Offices Public schools Hospitals Law enforcement centers Others

Uses of ND Interactive Video Network (IVN) Annual tax management seminars since 1990 Marketing outlook sessions Market club education opportunities In-service training sessions Annie’s Project in 2006 Launched Farm/Ranch Transition & Estate Planning in 2010

Annie’s Project in Brief Begin in 2006 To date over 1000 participants Delivered via Interactive Television & local presenters Conducted from mid January – late February 30 sites since 2006 Over 45 Extension field staff and 7 specialists involved All staff members involved work together in planning & implementing

Annie’s Participants requested more information on: Crop and Livestock Marketing Record Keeping Systems Farm/Ranch Transition Planning Retirement Planning

We Learned That Interactive Video- Can be used as an effective delivery tool Greatly reduces costs Can be challenging if used exclusively for the delivery method Requires scheduling many months in advance Requires special skills for presenters

Farm/Ranch Transition & Estate Planning Patterned somewhat after Missouri model Pilot project in 2010 Six sites Delivery & resources IVN Local experts Note book of resource materials Web sites

Progress to date Offered three times since it was launched March 2010 Dec 2010 March 2011 Offered in 26 location throughout the state 450 participants have participated

Planning Process Steering committee Frequent conference calls In-service training sessions Spring (daylong) Evaluation & next year’s initial site selection Fall ( over two days) Details for upcoming sessions

March 2010

December 2010 Sites

Use of Web Site Annie’s Project Women In Ag Conferences Estate Planning Courses

Purpose Provide information on Importance of estate planning Effective communication techniques Logical steps to consider/follow in the process Farm/ranch business arrangements Asset transfer strategies Estate taxes Other (varies by site)

Methods Interactive Video Network presentations Local presenters Resources Handout materials Online resources Group discussions

Marketing & Promotion Brochure Website Radio Television Referrals Local Agents

Some Guidelines Will Provide credible, reliable information Provide safe environment for learning Expect all participant to respect others opinions Consider every question very important & valid Expect that all that is “discussed here stays here”

Guidelines (Continued) Will not Provide any specific legal advice. Advocate any specific plan/strategy for anyone. Make recommendations on the purchase/selections of any specific financial instrument.

IVN Presentations Getting Started; Importance of Communication Farm Business Arrangements; Pros & Cons of different business structures Farm Estate & Succession Planning

IVN Presenters, March 2011 March 8 – John Baker, JD Beginning Farmer Center, Iowa State University, March 8 Jim Kastanek, Total Agri-Business, Services, Albany, MN Andy Zenk Agribusiness Consultant, AgCountry/Farm Credit Services, Grand Forks, ND

Format Thee sessions each 3 hours long Half of content delivered via IVN Half of content delivered via local experts Registration fee $55 - $75 Major topics Communication Farm & Ranch Business Arrangements Succession Planning &Asset Transfer Strategies

Local Presenters Attorneys CPA’s Judges Certified Financial Planners Others

Online Resources Introduced

Financial Overview No Extension staff receive additional $$ for being involved in the project Non Extension presenters receive honorariums No major sponsors Registration fees - $55 for individual; ($10 EACH for spouses /others up to 2 additional) Additional $20.00 for late registrations

Financial Overview (Continued) All revenues from registrations sent to central location. Counties receive reimbursement for: Local speaker honorariums Refreshments Room rent

Estate Planning Sessions Impact 450 participants 95% Indicated major gain in knowledge 94% Intend to initiate/advance their asset transfer plans 92% Increased their comfort level in communicating with their family member re: estate planning topics 95% rated the overall course as an “excellent educational program”

What participants have said “Overall, very educational, thanks” “Not one presenter was trying to sell us anything. We got factual information from reputable sources” “It is a topic that is difficult to know where to begin & this gave lots of information about it and insight into what needs to be done”

Distance Learning-Keys to Success Committed staff of team players Electronic delivery system Combination IVN presenters & local experts In-service training for facilitators Advanced planning Web site usage Modified teaching techniques Technical support

Electronic Delivery Advantages Gets all facilitators “on the same page” Unifies the program state wide Reach multiple sites simultaneously Increases program visibility Efficient use of resources Greatly reduces program costs Can utilize expertise from throughout the US

Electronic Delivery Challenges Restricts where project can be offered Technical problem possibilities Reduces “face-to-face” delivery Requires precise timing at all sites Technology acceptance not universal

Questions or Comments?? Contact Information: Willie Huot NDSU Extension Agent/Grand Forks County Farm Business Management & Economics (701)