The transfer of family businesses in Northern Germany and Austria

The transfer of family businesses from one generation to the next can be considered as an event with far-reaching effects for the business. Investments and decisions about restructuring the business are closely tied to succession considerations. This paper analyzes successions plans in the primary sector using a survey conducted in 2003 of 348 farmers in Schleswig-Holstein (Northern Germany) and 278 farmers in Austria. Three samples were obtained: full time farmers in Schleswig-Holstein, full time farmers in Austria and part time farmers in Austria. The structure of the farm sector in both countries differs in several ways: Farmers in Schleswig-Holstein operate on larger scales, are more market oriented and use more intensive production technologies than their Austrian counterparts. In addition, Austrian farmers have distinct traditional attitudes in farming and are likely located in disadvantaged areas on average. The analysis focuses on differences in succession plans and farm family characteristics in the three samples. This encompasses the fact that farms in Schleswig-Holstein have proportionally higher rates of identified successors and farm adjustment plans than in Austria. Results also show that there are not only significant differences in farm succession patterns, but also in value systems. --

Chroma Pneuma

I was conducting process trials based on water. As I reacted to what was being produced, I found myself having little moments of joyful discovery. I was fascinated to observe patterns and implied textures that were generated through natural process; these patterns mimic the fractal nature of repetitive structures on a micro to macro scale that we see within our natural world. Patterns whose resemblance ranges from formations found in semi- precious stones, such as jasper or agate; to satellite imagery of branching river systems and sites of massive erosion. While the implied texture of the work was being influenced by water and stone; the color selections for the pieces are abstractly influenced by the deeper understanding of the personal interactions humans have with color from and cultural, spiritual and psychological standpoint. I wish the overall environment of the installation to inspire a sense of wonder and excitement, so the viewer can explore the work in not only the realms of the physical senses but also transcendental

Intergenerational Successionon Family Farms: Evidence from Survey Data

This study examines family farms and characteristics affecting farm succession. Based on a farm survey, three aspects of succession are analysed in the paper: the probability of family succession; the likelihood of having a successor designated; and the timing of succession. Large and specialised farms are more likely to be transferred within the family and to have appointed a successor. The number of family members, as well as the experience of farm operator, is also significantly related to the succession behaviour. The probabilities of succession, and of having a successor, first increase with age and then decline again. Furthermore, timing of succession is delayed as the farm holder ages, suggesting most farm operators? succession plans to be inconsistent over time. In addition, we find a significant interrelationship between the different aspects of succession indicating that decisions on family succession, the designation of a successor, as well as the timing of succession, are not separable. --farm succession,survey data,econometric analysis

Looking for the Bigger Picture. Analyzing Governmentality in Mosaic Mode

In this article, I propose a mosaic mode of qualitative analysis that is focused on how social order and regulations are established in a society. In this way researchers can analyze society as a whole and reconstruct how people govern and are governed by mapping social worlds/arenas and situations in an iterative-cyclic mode.In diesem Artikel schlage ich einen mosaikhaften Modus qualitativer Sozialforschung vor, mit dem sich Forscher*innen darauf konzentrieren können, wie eine Gesellschaft soziale Ordnung und Regulierungen etabliert. Auf diese Weise können Forscher*innen die Gesellschaft als Ganzes analysieren und rekonstruieren, wie Menschen regieren und regiert werden, indem sie soziale Welten/Arenen und Situationen in einem iterativ-zyklischen Modus kartieren

Analysing Family Farm Succession: A Probit and a Competing Risk Approach

The present study examines family and farm characteristics affecting the choice and the timing of intergenerational farm transfers. Using survey data which are linked to accounting data for 272 farms in Northern Germany, we use a probit approach to examine whether specific farm and family characteristics are related to the likelihood of succession within a given period. We go beyond the existing literature by applying a competing risk approach to study the process and thus the timing, respectively of the two competing events succession or exit from farming. We find that farm characteristics significantly influence succession considerations to the extent that they affect the value of the farm for the potential successor.intrafamily succession, survey data, competing risk, Farm Management, Q12, J26,

Agriculture on the Move: Exploring Regional Differences in Farm Exit Rates

This paper investigates the relationship between farm exits and various farm, family, and regional characteristics during the period of 1991 to 1999. Using county-level data for 326 regions in western Germany, econometric cross section estimations indicate that exits from farming are strongly influenced by farm and family characteristics. In particular, exit rates are higher in regions with smaller farms. Further, farm exits are closely related to retirement and succession considerations. Exit rates are lower in regions with a high share of part-time farms, which indicates that off-farm income has a stabilizing impact on structural change in agriculture. --Farm exit,county-level census data,cross-section estimation,Germany

Succession in agricultural households: A probit and a competing risk analysis

The present study examines family and farm characteristics affecting the choice and the timing of intergenerational farm transfers. Using survey data which are linked to accounting data for 272 farms in Northern Germany, we use a probit approach to examine whether specific farm and family characteristics are related to the likelihood of succession within a given period. We go beyond the existing literature by applying a competing risk approach to study the process and thus the timing, respectively of the two competing events - succession or exit from farming. We find that farm characteristics significantly influence succession considerations to the extent that they affect the value of the farm for the potential successor. --

Hofnachfolgesituation in Deutschland: Eine empirische Analyse von Querschnittsdaten auf Kreisebene

Während in der bisherigen Literatur zur Hofnachfolge einzelbetriebliche Daten analysiert werden, werden in dieser Untersuchung auf Kreisebene aggregierte Zensusdaten verwandt, womit der Einfluss der Struktur des landwirtschaftlichen Sektors und außerlandwirtschaftlicher Faktoren in einer Region auf den Anteil der Betriebe mit einem Hofnachfolger analysiert werden kann. Ein ähnliches Modell zur Analyse der Betriebsaufgabe landwirtschaftlicher Unternehmen in den USA findet sich bei Goetz und Debertin (2001). Für die vorliegende Analyse wurden Daten von 439 Kreisen1 aus der Landwirtschaftszählung 1999 mit Regionaldaten für 1999 aus der Newcronos-Datenbank von Eurostat zusammengeführt. Da diese Daten jedoch zum Teil unvollständig sind, wurde für die Arbeitslosenzahlen auch auf Statistiken der Bundesanstalt für Arbeit zurückgegriffen. Nach der folgenden kurzen Literaturübersicht werden im dritten Abschnitt die Daten und das verwendete ökonometrische Modell beschrieben. Im vierten Abschnitt werden dann die empirischen Ergebnisse präsentiert und die Arbeit schließt im fünften Abschnitt mit einer Zusammenfassung. --