This paper is concerned with the steps family farm members should take to develop their human resources for success beyond 2000. Some characteristics of traditionalfamily farms are listed and their appropriateness is examined in the light of the revolutionary changes taking place in the agri-industry system. The emerging situation facing farm families is reviewed. A model is developed of the characteristics which future successfulfamily farm businesses will possess. This includes significantly more components than in the traditional family farm. The learning needs offarm families are derived. These involve developing generic capabilities applicable to managing any business. The paper concludes with a planning process which farm families can use to empower all members to achieve individual, family and business goals in the 21st Century.