Most farmers we work with want their land to stay in agriculture; the legacy of the land is often a cherished value. But few farm families have plans in place that articulate who their successor is and exactly how the land, equipment, business, and other assets will be divided among heirs and farm successors.
In fact, 9 out of 10 senior farmers in New England are farming without a young farmer alongside them. How and to whom this land and farm infrastructure transfers will have an enormous impact on the future of farming in New England. Without a plan, a farm’s future is at risk.
At Land For Good, we have the knowledge, networks and experience to help you make a plan that fits your situation and can achieve your goals. We have helped hundreds of farmers and farm families find innovative solutions that keep their farms in farming, whether or not they have an identified successor.
With sound succession planning with concrete action steps, it is more likely that the goals and desires of all the generations involved can be met, and there is a greater likelihood that the farm will stay in farming,” explains Mike Ghia, Vermont Field Agent for Land For Good.
Feel like your family needs to start talking about the future of the farm, but you don’t know where to start? Have questions about passing on the farm? We created training opportunities for farmers to meet and talk with peers, learn from advisors, and get support on this challenging process. Because the biggest hurdle in farm succession planning is getting the plan done.
We’re offering winter sessions to help move your planning along:
Online
Learn about farm succession planning and how to begin in our live webinar series. Transitioning farmers and junior generation farmers will learn the basics of succession planning, including how to get started, where to find advisors and additional resources, ask questions, and get help. All generations, including family and non-family members, who may play a role in the farm’s future are encouraged to attend. Farmers from across New England welcome! Instructors include Land For Good’s Mike Ghia, Vermont Field Agent, as well as guest attorney with expertise in succession planning, Jesse Richardson, Professor of Law, Lead Land Use Attorney, and guest financial specialist Nicholas Bullock, EA, Senior Farm Tax Specialist, Yankee Farm Credit.
Four-part series meets virtually on Wednesdays at lunchtime, 11:00am – 1:00pm:
January 26, 2022
February 2, 2022
February 9, 2022
February 16, 2022
In-person
Start building your plan at a Farm Succession School. For farmers who are really ready to dig in, we’ll help you think through the many aspects of succession planning, clarify your vision and goals, and get your next steps on paper. There is homework and assistance available between sessions. Each session includes ample time to share and learn from other farmers facing similar questions. You’ll leave with exercises for visioning the future of your farm, clear next steps, and documents you should assemble to provision for a smooth transition. The fee is $100 per farm, including all materials and support between classes.
Three-part program meets in-person following all COVID-19 protocols.
In Connecticut
Location: Tolland County Agricultural Center, 24 Hyde Avenue, Route 30, Vernon, CT
Thursdays from 9:00am – 4:00pm:
February 10, 2022
March 3, 2022
March 31, 2022
Snow date of Friday of same week
Learn more or Register now
In Massachusetts
Location: John W. Olver Franklin Transit Center, 12 Olive Street, Greenfield, MA
Tuesdays from 9:00am – 4:00pm:
February 15, 2022
March 8, 2022
March 29, 2022
Snow date of Friday of same week
Learn more or Register now
The farm succession school my wife and I attended in 2018-19 opened our eyes to many aspects of the succession process which were very helpful in our completing a very agreeable farm succession and retirement.” – Anonymous
For in-person training, we will adhere to all current COVID guidelines and follow state, local, and venue-specific mandates. Masks will be required. We have selected our venues with safety concerns in mind to allow for social distancing, and we are limiting the number of participants. We will revisit our policies policies and protocols prior to events to protect the health and safety of our staff and participants. Please do NOT attend if you are feeling ill or have had a known COVID exposure.
Advising
Get individualized coaching to start, continue or complete your farm succession plan. Land For Good Field Agents are available to assist you with the many steps along the way. Costs vary depending on your needs and available funding, with always a sliding scale option.
Help is here! Complete our Farm Succession Form to initiate a no-cost informational session.
