Farm Succession

A critical need for agriculture is having professionals who can help farm families and businesses plan for the future of their farms. That need is the source of a partnership between Ohio State's Agricultural & Resource Law Program and Iowa State's Center for Agricultural Law & Taxation. The two programs have once again partnered to offer the Third Annual Cultivating Connections Conference to grow the number and expertise of farm transition planning professionals. Iowa State will host the conference this year on August 4 and 5, 2025 in Ankeny, Iowa. The National Agricultural Law Center is a sponsor of the program.

The conference is a forum for learning and discussing the latest laws, strategies, tools, and insights necessary for effective farm transition planning. It brings together a diverse range of professionals -- attorneys, accountants, educators, and financial advisors -- who share a common goal: to preserve the legacy and sustainability of family farms for future generations. 

At the heart of the conference is a focus on building strong, collaborative relationships among farm transition professionals. Conference sessions aim to impart knowledge, foster dialogue, and build a supportive community. Attendees can connect with peers and share issues, insights, and expertise.

OSU's Robert Moore will speak for the conference about his work with Long-Term Care Considerations for the Farm Transition.  The agenda is full of additional speakers and sessions:

• Successfully Counseling the Farm Family on Succession - Robert Hanson, Professor Emeritus, U. of Nebraska
• Considering Farm Program Payments in the Transition Plan - Phil Newendyke, Pinion Farm Program Services
• 2025 Tax Update for the Farm Transition - Kristine Tidgren, Iowa State Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation
• Fresh Legal Tools for the Farm Transition - David Repp, Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C.
• Fair Doesn't Mean Equal When It Comes to Farm Debt - Joe and Austin Peiffer, Ag & Business Legal Strategies
• Charitable Options for the Transition - Ame Mapes and Laura Ingram, Belin McCormick, Attorneys at Law
• Farm and Rural Landowner Case Studies - Travis Schroeder, Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman, PLC and Mike Downey, UnCommon Farms

The conference will be in person at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa, but an online attendance option is also available.  Learn more about the conference and register online at https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/cultivating/.