In this episode of Dirt and Bull, we sit down with Adam Odell—a South Carolina native, entrepreneur, and advocate for better succession planning in agriculture. With deep roots in his family’s farm and ag chemical business, Adam brings a sharp perspective on a topic that too many families avoid: what happens to the farm when the current generation steps away?

Adam stresses that legacy planning isn’t just about financials—it’s about preserving values, responsibility, and long-term sustainability. As he puts it, there’s never a wrong time to start, but waiting too long can leave families scrambling. From stories of hidden cash in ammo cans to unprepared heirs inheriting land they don’t know how to manage, Adam paints a clear picture of why planning early and openly matters.

Beyond family dynamics, Adam dives into business strategy and leadership, sharing lessons from his time managing operations, teams, and transitions. Whether it's implementing GPS tracking on assets or navigating generational expectations, his insight is grounded in experience and empathy. He also touches on the need for clear communication—not just with your kids, but with your business partners and community.

Ultimately, Adam challenges farmers and ag professionals to take succession seriously—not just for the sake of their land, but for the people who depend on it. If you’re part of a multigenerational farm or ag operation, this episode is a wake-up call and a roadmap rolled into one.

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