Cultivating Connections Returns to Columbus, Ohio!

Thursday, May 07th, 2026

Cultivating Connections Conference Graphic

We’re thrilled to invite you to the Fourth Annual Cultivating Connections Conference, proudly presented by The Ohio State University’s Agricultural & Resource Law Program and Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation, in partnership with the National Agricultural Law Center.

Whether you’re a legal professional, tax advisor, farm transition planner, student, industry partner, or simply passionate about the future of family farms, this conference is designed for you. Over the dynamic multi-day conference, you’ll gain timely insights, practical strategies, and valuable connections to help navigate today’s evolving landscape of farm transition and succession planning.

Mark your calendar: August 3-5, 2026
Location: The Grand Event Center, just steps from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Cultivating Connections is offered in a convenient hybrid format, giving you the flexibility to join us in person or participate virtually from anywhere. No matter how you choose to attend, you’ll be part of an inviting, collaborative community focused on sharing knowledge and building meaningful connections.

Why Attend?

Whether you are advising clients, shaping policy, or building your legal career, this conference offers:

In-depth education on emerging legal issues
Continuing Education opportunities
Networking with practitioners, academics, and professionals
Practical tools you can apply in your own practice

Agenda Highlights

Participants can look forward to a rich program featuring sessions such as:

Reverse Mentoring: The Invisible Org Chart
Identifying and Addressing Mental Health Issues in Farm Families
Farm Transition from a Farm Manager’s Perspective
Agricultural and Conservation Easements in Farm Transition Planning
Incorporating Divorce Protection in Business Entities
Dealing with Farm Assets Trapped in Corporations
Managing Tax Basis in Estates
Reviewing Available Resources for Your Clients
The State of the Farm Economy
An Interactive Case Study
Responsibilities in Assessing Client Capacity

In-person Attendees

Attendees joining us in person on August 3 will enjoy several exciting networking opportunities, including:

A behind-the-scenes tour of Ohio Stadium
- Attendees receive a complimentary tour; guests are welcome at a discounted price of $20/each
A 1.0-hour Ethics CLE session focused on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) representation at Hofbrauhaus
Following the Ethics CLE, a welcome reception at Hofbrauhaus to connect with fellow attendees and speakers

Please note: these experiences are available only to in-person participants. We are unable to livestream the Ethics CLE from Hofbrauhaus currently.

Online Attendees

The conference is designed as a hybrid event:

The opening day (August 3) features in-person programming
The remaining two days of the conference (August 4-5) will be simulcast, allowing virtual attendees to participate fully in the educational sessions

Special Student Pricing

Students are encouraged to attend and engage with current professionals and industry partners working in the area of farm transition and succession planning.

Student Registration: $100
To register at this reduced rate, students must contact:
- Peggy Hall at hall.673@osu.edu

Link to Register: https://go.osu.edu/cultivatingconnections