Preparedness Fundamentals for Small and Limited-Resource Farm Families
Extension Education
Nelson Brownlee
Area Small Farms Agent
NC Cooperative Extension
Lumberton
Abstract
According to national survey data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), less than half of Americans are familiar with local hazards, and fewer than 40 percent have created a household emergency plan and discussed it with household members. Fifty-six percent of Americans believe that estate planning is important, but only 33% of adults in the U.S. have documented their end-of-life plans. Many limited-resource families do not perform estate planning due to a complex mix of historical factors including systemic racism, lack of access to legal services, a perception that estate planning is not necessary for those with limited assets, mistrust of the legal system, and the resulting phenomenon of "heirs' property" where land is passed down without a will, leading to fragmented ownership and difficulty managing the land effectively which often results in the loss of generational wealth in the form of farmland. North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Robeson, Hartnett, and Duplin Counties organized Preparedness Fundamentals for Farm Families Workshops, in Lumberton, Lillington, and Kenansville respectively. The objectives of the workshops were to have families learn about disaster preparedness strategies, conduct risk assessments on their farm and the basics of estate planning. A total of 62 persons attended the three workshops. Evaluations conducted at the beginning and end of the workshops showed that the participants knowledge of estate planning, disaster in knowledge of disaster preparedness, estate planning and heirs' property had increased from an average of 2 to an average 4 on a scale of 1 to 5. Follow-up interviews and surveys taken nine months after the last workshop showed 79% of participants had discussed estate planning with family members and four particpants had established a farm succession plan. Several other participants stated that they have worked with family members to set goals and strategies to put a farm succession plan in place. By understanding and implementing strategies in estate planning, managing heirs' property effectively, and preparing for disasters, individuals and communities can safeguard their assets, preserve their legacies, and enhance their resilience in the face of uncertainties.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Nelson Brownlee
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Brownlee, N. Area Small Farms Agent, North Carolina Cooperative Extension , North Carolina, 28359