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planning for the future

Field of corn with sunset and title and date of Cultivating Connections Conference
By: Peggy Kirk Hall, Monday, July 07th, 2025

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/.

Legal Groundwork
By: Robert Moore, Friday, July 19th, 2024

Join us for another "Planning for the Future of Your Farm" workshop on August 22, 2024 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in northeast Ohio. This popular workshop aims to help farm families have difficult conversations and learn strategies and tools to transfer farm ownership, management, and assets to the next generation. Extension Farm Management Field Specialist David Marrison will join Robert Moore of the OSU Agricultural & Resource Law Program to present the workshop.

Workshop topics include: Developing Goals for Estate and Succession; Planning for the Transition of Control; Planning for the Unexpected; Communication and Conflict Management; Legal Tools and Strategies; Developing Your Team; Getting Your Affairs in Order; and Selecting an Attorney.

The registration fee is $25 per person and includes lunch, refreshments, and course materials. Registration deadline is August 16, 2024. This program is made possible at a discounted rate due to the generous support from the Hertzer Family Trust.

Extension Educator Lee Beers at the Trumbull County Extension office is the local host for the workshop.  Contact Lee with questions at 330-638-6738 or via email at beers.66@osu.edu. For more information about the workshop, visit go.osu.edu/farmsuccession.

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