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A focus on North Dakota's agricultural families which are managing there farm lands since last 300years, is presented.

The passing on of land by Ron Mapes, an Illinois-based farmer with 47 years experience, to his son Brad Mapes is discussed. Their belief that the future of agriculture lies in the hands of next generation is projected.

Q: My husband inherited 25 acres of farmland when his parents died. The estate was not divided equally, and our amount was at the low end of the other eight [...]

Ownership disputes often occur in a family-owned farm. Family members share in proportion to ownership. Organization, on the other hand, must be built on responsibility, making clear who is responsible for what. Proper compensation for those who do the more difficult task must be given.

The success of a farm partnership lies in clearly defining relative responsibility, measuring actual accomplishment, properly compensating the partners and dividing profits according to ownership. Time spent on the job does not allow greater equity in the business, but must be recognized.