By Drew Viguet
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A System Division of Agriculture
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The transition of farms from one generation to the next is vital to the success of U.S. agriculture, and an upcoming conference is designed for professionals invested in farm transition planning.
The Cultivating Connections Conference brings together professionals from across the country to discuss an important topic: the successful transition of farms from one generation to the next. The second annual conference is Aug. 5-6. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Mary Hightower)
The average age of U.S. farmers continues to increase. According to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, the average producer is 58.1 years old, 0.6 years older than in the 2017 Census and 9.4 years older than the 1945 Census, the first to report an average age. Further, data from the 2022 Census also shows that over 60 percent of all producers are 55 years of age or older.
While creating a farm transition plan is an important aspect of ensuring a farm continues to the next generation, it can also be overlooked. The Cultivating Connections Conference provides a learning and discussion forum on farm transition plans.
The conference, which will be held Aug. 5-6 at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, brings together attorneys, accountants, appraisers, educators and other farm transition planners to connect and learn about strategies for successful transition plans.
“The Cultivating Connections Conference targets the professionals who enable a critical issue today: the successful transfer of agricultural operations from one generation to the next,” Peggy Hall, director of The Ohio State University Agricultural and Resource Law Program, said.
The conference is a joint effort, hosted by The OSU Agricultural and Resource Law Program and co-sponsored by the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University (CALT) and the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC). Speakers include attorneys, accountants, academics and appraisers. NALC Senior Staff Attorney Elizabeth Rumley is speaking at the event during a session on replenishing rural practice.
Registration for the conference, including in-person and virtual options, is available online until Aug. 2. Conference organizers have applied for Continuing Legal Education credits for Ohio and Iowa as well as IRS Continuing Education credits.
“One of the NALC’s strongest assets is its partners, and the Cultivating Connections Conference is a great development out of that partnership,” NALC Director Harrison Pittman said. “It brings together a talented network of skilled professionals focused on a very important topic — helping families preserve their farms as well as the communities and industries that depend upon families’ success.”
Hall said the conference, which is in its second year, is an opportunity for farm transition planners to learn effective strategies for planning and network with other professionals who share the same goals. Following the inaugural conference in 2023, The OSU Agricultural and Resource Law Program, CALT and the NALC partnered to create the Association of Farm Transition Planners, a network whose mission is increasing the number of skilled professionals assisting farmers with succession and transition planning. The association connects conference participants to helpful resources throughout the year.
“This event aims to build strong relationships and foster a supportive community dedicated to preserving the legacy and sustainability of family farms for future generations,” Hall said.
