Farmers

For many Canadian farmers, the land is more than just a business - it’s a legacy. But when it’s time to scale back, sell, or pass on the farm, the financial decisions can be as challenging as the work itself. From succession planning to minimizing taxes on land sales, having the right strategy is essential.

At Green Helix Financial, we help farmers as well as those navigate the transition out of active farming - whether that means selling the farm, transferring it to family, or keeping it as a legacy asset. Our approach blends wealth planning, insurance, and tax strategy to protect your wealth and your wishes.

🧩 Example Scenario: Stepping Away, Without Stepping Back

A couple in their early 60s owns a large farm property with no active heirs interested in continuing operations. The farm has appreciated significantly in value, and they’re considering selling the land to a developer within the next 5 years. They’ve saved modestly outside the business and want to create retirement income, minimize taxes, and leave a legacy for their children and grandchildren.

Here’s how a fiduciary advisor can help:

• Plan the Land Sale: Develop a multi-year strategy to sell land in stages, use capital gains exemptions effectively, and reduce overall tax exposure.

• Create Income Streams: Turn sale proceeds into stable, tax-efficient income using a blend of non-registered investments, registered accounts, and insurance.

• Preserve the Legacy: Help structure charitable giving or trusts if a portion of the farm is to be protected or donated.

• Use Insurance Strategically: Recommend permanent life insurance to cover estate taxes or equalize inheritances among children.

• Review Legal and Tax Structure: Work alongside legal and accounting professionals to align ownership, titles, and business dissolution with long-term goals.

• Model Intergenerational Scenarios: If family members are partially involved, explore partnership dissolutions, buyouts, or vendor take-back financing.

• Reduce Probate and Administration Burden: Use tools like segregated funds or named-beneficiary structures to keep wealth transfer simple and efficient.

With a well-coordinated exit strategy, farmers like this can protect their life’s work, support their retirement, and transition on their own terms - with confidence and clarity.