Navigating rural idyll rules and farm succession in the 21st century

Farm succession in Australian agriculture extends beyond a business transition; it encompasses social and cultural aspects that can significantly impact farming families and communities. The traditional rural idyll continues to influence succession practices; however, modern challenges including gender equity, climate change, and globalisation can create conflicting pressures on farming families. This research examines these social and cultural impacts to better inform farm support services in assisting farming families through succession planning. A scoping review of peer-reviewed and academic literature published between 2016 and 2026 was undertaken, followed by a reflexive thematic analysis of the scoped dataset. The findings reveal that many farming families face a difficult choice which can impact their mental health: whether to maintain traditional succession norms at the expense of some family members' wellbeing or to prioritise family farm continuity despite challenges stemming from climate change and globalisation. Alternatively, they may consider selling the farm, disappointing potential successors, or postponing retirement. The research demonstrates that while professional advisors typically approach succession through a legal, financial, or agricultural lens, the impacts run deeper than these singular considerations. The study highlights the need for a holistic approach to succession planning which prioritises farming families’ wellbeing.