Turning over the reins -- even to your own children -- of something you've been a part of for nearly 60 years can seem like a daunting task.

Betsy Luce, Woodstock, Vermont, can attest to that statement. Sugarbush Farms has been in her family since 1945, and she and husband Larry began running the business almost 30 years ago.

As they approached their 60s, Betsy and Larry realized they needed to begin thinking about transitioning their 550-acre farm to their two sons, Jeff and Ralph.

"I knew I had to start letting go of some of the duties," Betsy says.

The multifaceted operation includes the maple syrup and cheese businesses. In addition, they raise approximately 160 head of beef cattle, sell firewood, do logging, and work 1,250 acres of hay and corn ground in the area.

It's important to Betsy and Larry that each son finds his niche in the family's operation. Jeff and Betsy are in charge of purchasing cheese from Vermont cheesemakers, smoking it, overseeing the hand packaging, and the retail, wholesale, and mail order marketing.

Ralph decides when to boil the sap to make syrup. In addition, he handles the firewood and logging side of the business. He and Larry share responsibility for the hay, corn, and beef cattle.

Jeff's wife, Kerry McNally, has successfully taken over marketing, Web design, and staff scheduling.

Most of Sugarbush's income comes from the sale of maple syrup and cheese. One third of those sales are made directly to visitors at the farm. The remaining sales are divided between the mail order and wholesale business. The beef cattle also provide additional revenue. According to Betsy, the key to the future of the farm is to replace wholesale with increased direct sales and mail orders.