How We Help
Farm Succession School
Every winter, we offer a Farm Succession School to help transitioning farmers. This is a three-day intensive course that we bring to different states across New England. Farmers do not need to have an identified successor to participate in this course.
If you are ready to dig in to farm succession planning or a farm transfer, this curriculum is designed to help you 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 homework and assistance available between sessions. Each session includes ample time to share and learn from other farmers facing similar questions. Presenters include Land For Good staff, plus a business planner, attorney, and mediation/communication professional. The fee is $100 per farm, including all materials and support between classes.
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 gain:
- Connections to a peer network of support
- Advisor referrals
- Clarity on your goals, options and next steps
- Personalized farm succession plan task list
- Continuing technical assistance with Land For Good field agents
Find our 2025 winter schedule below—coming to Massachusetts and Maine!
Massachusetts
Meets on Mondays from 9:30am – 3:30pm
at the Taunton Public Library, 12 Pleasant Street, Taunton, MA
Register now
- 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. Funded by Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) Agricultural Business Training Program.
Maine
Meets on Wednesdays from 9:30am – 3:30pm
at the Maine Farm Bureau Office, 4 Gabriel Drive STE 1, Augusta, ME
Register now
- January 29, 2025
- February 26, 2025
- March 19, 2025
This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LNE23-471.
Hear from past participants!
If you’re wondering if the Farm Succession School is right for you, farmers shared their highlights:
“Highly recommend they take the course, you will learn things you didn’t know you needed.”
“I got so much from the program—both in information and connections! I hope to translate at least part of what I learned into the reality of our farm’s future.”
“Absolutely do it…. when you hit 50-55!!”
“Attend! This series will help you focus on creating concrete steps of vague thoughts… steps that will move you towards successful business transition/ succession.”
“Do it without a moment’s hesitation.”
“Very worthwhile, gained as much from listening to discussions with other participants as from the materials, very knowledgeable instructors—good at probing deeper, listening, and responding.”
One-on-One advising
Land For Good also offers 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.
Get in touch through our Farm Transfer Form. A member of our team will share recommended resources, next steps and/or referrals. They will connect you with a Land For Good field agent for a no-cost information session if appropriate.
Have questions?
Have questions about which program is best for you? Reach out to our staff at [email protected] or call 603-357-1600.
Resources
- Find resources for Transferring a Farm
- Complete the Where Do I Start? Farm Succession Planning workbook
- Find advisors at the Farm Transfer Network of New England
