It’s that time of year. There is a chill in the air, the leaves have peaked, and everyone asks the farmer, “What do you do all winter?”
While the answers have slight variations, the general theme is “everything else.” As the seasons change, the work doesn’t stop, it just shifts, and many farmers take advantage of this time to plan. Whether it’s making a crop plan for the next growing season, applying for grants for infrastructure improvements, or reviewing the financials from the previous year, it’s a time for reflection and thinking ahead to the future.
If you are a farmer and succession planning has been on your mind, but you don’t know where to start, we have a number of opportunities for you to start your farm succession planning journey. Whether you are just starting to think about it, or need to find a successor as soon as possible, Land For Good can be there to support you wherever you are in your process this upcoming “off-season”.
Farm Succession Planning webinar series
Start with this FREE live webinar series on farm succession planning. 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 staff Mike Ghia, Vermont Field Agent, guest attorney, and financial specialist. Registration opens soon, so please check back!
Meets on Thursdays from 11:00am – 1:00pm
virtually on Zoom
- January 9, 2025 – Getting Started: Resources, Tips and Where to Get Assistance
- January 16, 2025 – Financial, Retirement & Tax Considerations
- January 23, 2025 – Legal Considerations: Business Entities & Estate Planning
- January 30, 2025 – Farmer Panel: Successes & Challenges
Who should attend:
All farmers at any stage of farming who are interested in learning more about farm transfers and succession planning.
What you will walk away with:
You’ll have a better understanding and knowledge of farm transfers and the resources that are available.
In-Person Farm Succession School
Senior farmers who are ready to dig in can start building their plan at a three-day winter course. This curriculum is designed to help farmers think through the many aspects of succession planning, clarify vision and goals, get next steps on paper, and review necessary documents to provide for a smooth transition. There is also homework and assistance available between sessions. Each session includes ample time to share and learn from other farmers facing similar questions. Farmers do not need to have an identified successor to participate in this course. The fee is $100 per farm, including all materials and support between classes. Registration opens soon, so please check back!
Coming to Maine:
Meets on Wednesdays from 9:30am – 3:00pm
at the Maine Farm Bureau Office, 4 Gabriel Drive STE 1, Augusta, ME
- January 29, 2025
- February 26, 2025
- March 19, 2025
Coming to Massachusetts: *
Meets on Mondays from 9:30am – 3:00pm
at the Taunton Public Library, 12 Pleasant Street, Taunton, MA
- January 27, 2025
- February 24, 2025
- March 17, 2025
*Because of the funding resource for this series only farmers located in Massachusetts can sign up for this course.
Who should attend:
Farmers that want to start the farm transfer and succession process, and either have an identified successor or who are looking for one.
What you will walk away with:
You’ll make a personalized farm succession plan task list, receive referrals for advisors, and get follow-up individualized one-on-one advising with Land For Good field agents.
Virtual Farm Succession School
First time offering!
For the first time, we are offering Farm Succession School virtually! The goal is to provide the curriculum, resources, and worksheets in a format that is easily accessible to as many farmers as possible. The online course will provide interactive sessions, homework between classes, and support from our staff throughout the course. The fee is $100, and we will mail all the materials to each farmer before the start of the course. Registration opens soon, so please check back!
Meets on Tuesdays from 10:00am – 12:00pm
virtually on Zoom
- February 4, 2025
- February 18, 2025
- March 4, 2025
- March 18, 2025
Who should attend:
Farmers that want to start the farm transfer and succession process, and either have an identified successor or who are looking for one.
What you will walk away with:
You’ll make a personalized farm succession plan task list, receive referrals for advisors, and get follow-up individualized one-on-one advising with Land For Good field agents.
One-on-One Advising
Our field agents offer one-on-one advising to help New England farmers start, continue, or complete their farm succession plan. We have the knowledge, networks and experience to help you make a plan that fits your situation and achieves your goals. We’ve helped hundreds of farmers and partners find innovative solutions that keep their farms in farming, provide a meaningful legacy, and address the financial, legal, and business challenges involved in transferring a farm to a next generation family member or unrelated successor.
