Current

Events

Farm Succession & Transfer Planning – Webinar Series
Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2026
11:00am-1:00pm
Register

• A free live webinar series for transitioning farmers and junior-generation farmers. Learn the basics of succession and transfer 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 staff Mike Ghia, Vermont Field Agent, guest attorney, and financial specialist. Hosted by Land For Good. Learn more

• Part 1 – Getting Started: Resources, Tips and Where to Get Assistance
• Part 2 – Financial, Retirement & Tax Considerations
• Part 3 – Legal Considerations: Business Entities & Estate Planning
• Part 4 – Farmer Panel: Successes & Challenges

Succession Planning for Your Farm Business
Maine Agricultural Trades Show
January 14, 2026
2:00-3:30pm
Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, ME
Learn more

• Passing a farm to the next generation-or finding the right successor can be both rewarding and complex. Learn practical guidance on succession planning, land access, and farm transfer strategies. Learn how to start the conversation, take key steps, and connect with professionals who can help you plan for your farm’s future with confidence. This session is for all farmers and the general public. Presented by Maine Farmer Resource Network (MFRN) – Maine Farmland Trust, Land For Good, University of Maine Cooperative Extension and others.

Pasture & Hay Leasing: Access, Agreements, and Security
Northeast Grazing & Livestock Conference
January 31, 2026
3:00-4:00pm
Doubletree, Manchester, NH or Online via Whova
Register

• Leasing and verbal agreements continue to be one of the most important ways to access hay and pasture land across New England. Having a well-crafted lease is a crucial tool to have clarity and protect your farm business’s land base, security, and planning horizon. In this session we will unpack the elements and options of a well-structured lease, and explore the nuances that make access to pasture and hay land unique. This session for folks raising pasture-based livestock in the Northeast is facilitated by Jae Silverman, a land access and leasing specialist at Land For Good, and also a first generation hay farmer in Massachusetts who farms entirely on leased land. Hosted by the Northeast Grazing & Livestock Conference.

Northeast Farmland Access Network

In an effort to strengthen farmland access support, we are launching a peer network for early-career agricultural service providers who are currently providing, or want to provide, farmland access support to farmers. To shape this initiative, we surveyed service providers in the Northeast to help us tailor programming to your needs and priorities. Session topics will range from land tenure basics to financial readiness to “soft skills” like mediation and dealing with power dynamics. Topics will be guided by the participants of the network calls, as the sessions are designed to be interactive. 

Strong, diverse collaborations and partnerships are essential to improve land access programs and policies! Land For Good is working in collaboration with Farmland for a New Generation New York, Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association, and New Entry Sustainable Farming Project to develop this network and offer space to connect, share, and learn. Registration is required for each session. Read more

Virtual drop-in sessions will meet on the second Wednesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30pm on: 

• December 10th – Jack Hornickel, Esq. Staff Attorney at the Food & Farm Business Law Clinic at Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University will join us to walk us through a typical lease. Jack will highlight areas of common “sticking points,” where issues of power dynamics between landowners and farmers might arise. There will be plenty of time for Q&A, so please bring your challenges and questions about supporting farmers through the leasing process. Register now
• January 14th – Discussions on farmers’ financial readiness and related topics. Register now
• February 11th
• March 11th
• April 8th

Farm Succession School

Every winter, we offer a Farm Succession School to help senior farmers and farm partners working toward retirement or farm transition. This is a three-day course that we bring to different states across New England. Learn the many aspects of succession planning, clarify vision and goals, talk with peers and advisors, and review the necessary documents to provide for a smooth transition. You do not need to have an identified successor to participate in this course. Read more

Winter 2026 schedule! Plan to join us for Farm Succession School in:

Massachusetts – Register now
at Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Office
42 Century Way, West Springfield, MA
January 26th,
February 23rd, and
March 23rd

Maine – Register now
at University of Maine Cooperative Extension Office
125 State Street, 3rd Floor, Augusta, ME
January 28th,
February 25th, and
March 25th

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