Peachee Farms: Growing the Future
A family farm's succession journey
A BUSINESS CONSULTING CASE STUDY
When Peachee Farms reached out to Good Roots, they were seeking guidance through one of the most pivotal transitions in a farm's life cycle: succession planning. Only 30% of farms successfully pass from the first to second generation. By the fourth, that number drops below 4%. Peachee Farms wanted to beat the odds by crafting a plan that would preserve their values, financial health, and family harmony. Succession planning is rarely simple—it's a deeply personal and strategic process. In this case, we worked with a multigenerational dairy farm to design a succession plan that transferred both ownership and leadership from father to son. With Good Roots guiding the process, a daunting transition became a clear step-by-step plan rooted in shared values and financial clarity. Along the way, we uncovered new profit opportunities that made the future feel not just possible but promising.
Step 1: Laying the Groundwork
The process kicked off by getting everyone’s goals on the table. The son, Garrett, wanted to start ownership through an LLC, grow his stake, and eventually buy the farmland. His father, Matt, was focused on a sustainable retirement, protecting the land, and being fair to their other kids who weren’t involved in the business. Using our succession goals worksheet, we helped each side clarify what mattered most and where their priorities aligned. That common ground became the foundation for everything that followed.
Good Roots used this model to outline Peachee Farm's succession plan.
Step 2: Planting a Financial Future
Next, we dug into the numbers. Could the business actually support two generations?
To find out, we built a robust pro forma that factored in both day-to-day operations and succession expenses. The family had already been exploring organic certification. They’d been using organic practices for years and wanted us to vet whether making it official would pay off. When we ran the numbers, the opportunity became clear: certification could significantly boost revenue. With that clarity, we developed a long-term financial model that made the transition not only possible, but profitable.
Step 3: Ownership Structured for Stability
Ownership and leadership didn’t shift all at once. We helped the family structure a phased buy-in that allowed Garrett to gradually increase his stake in the business through a seller-financed agreement. This approach gave everyone time to adjust and made the transition financially manageable.
At the same time, operational leadership was clarified. Garrett stepped into the role of day-to-day decision-maker, while Matt retained ownership but deferred on management decisions. With clearly defined roles and decision boundaries, the family avoided confusion and kept the business running smoothly throughout the transition.
“Just having someone to start the succession planning process was invaluable."
-Matthew byler
Step 4: Tackling the Tough Stuff
Land use. Retirement. Taxes. Inheritance. These aren’t the fun parts of succession, but they’re essential.
Good Roots created a timeline and action plan that identified what could be handled internally and when to bring in legal, financial, and estate planning experts. That way, the family wasn’t overwhelmed—and nothing slipped through the cracks.
The Outcome: A Model for Legacy, Not Just Logistics
By early 2024, the plan was in motion. Garrett had stepped into operational leadership, payments toward the ownership transfer were underway, and family members felt heard, respected, and aligned. With Good Roots as the central coordinator, the process avoided common pitfalls, kept momentum, and stayed anchored in the family’s long-term vision. In April of 2025, the farm achieved official Organic certification—bringing a long-held goal to fruition and cementing a new chapter rooted in values, profitability, and legacy.
“There are too many businesses that struggle through with a lack of planning. We don’t naturally sit down and discuss these things, so it likely would not be going as smoothly without the help of Good Roots. Having someone guide you through the process is worth it. The efficiency and time saving of being guided through the process is worth the cost."
– Matthew Byler
Planning for the Long Haul
Succession isn’t a single moment. It’s a strategic, emotional, and financial process that takes time—and the right support. With Good Roots at the helm, this family turned what could have been an overwhelming handoff into a clear, steady transition. Roles were clarified. Emotions were heard. Smart decisions got made.
Whether you're navigating your own transition or guiding someone else through theirs, remember: with a solid plan and the right team, the future can be just as abundant as the past.
Keys to Success
Start with values, not just numbers.
We began by helping each generation name their goals—personal, financial, and legacy-driven. That clarity laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Plan the finances with the future in mind.
Our team built a detailed pro forma and explored opportunities for profitability, including transitioning to certified organic. The numbers backed the plan—and made it sustainable.
Structure ownership for the long game.
A phased buy-in with seller financing gave the next generation a clear path to ownership without overwhelming the business or the family.
Define who decides what.
Clarity around roles and decision-making avoided misunderstandings and made the leadership shift feel smooth and intentional.
Bring in the right people, at the right time.
Succession touches everything—land, taxes, estate, retirement. We coordinated with legal, financial, and land use experts so nothing got missed and no one felt lost.
Keep Growing
Succession isn’t just the end of one chapter. It’s the beginning of something new. And when that transition is grounded in shared goals and financial clarity, it doesn't just preserve a legacy—it helps it thrive.
Ready to plant the seeds for your next chapter? Good Roots is here to help you grow.
