Highlights from the 2026 Cultivating Connections Conference

Highlights from the 2026 Cultivating Connections Conference

The Fourth Annual Cultivating Connections Conference, held last week in Columbus, brought together attorneys, financial advisors, lenders, extension educators, and agricultural advisors for dedicated sessions on farm transition planning. Throughout the multi-day event, professionals across disciplines exchanged strategies, networked, and shared critical insights aimed at preserving family farm legacies.

Here are key highlights and takeaway summaries from this year’s expert presentations:

People & Family Dynamics

• Understanding the Real Farm Structure: David Marrison (OSU Extension) highlighted how a family farm’s formal organization chart rarely tells the full story. His presentation demonstrated that effectively advising farm families often requires peeling back the operational layers to understand the true underlying dynamics and decision-making roles
• Supporting Farm Family Well-Being: Sarah Noggle (OSU Extension) addressed mental health concerns within farm families, providing guidance on impacts of  stress and connecting producers with vital support resources.

Transitions & Estate Management

• Assisting Absentee Landowners: Sandy Kuhn (Farmers National) explained how professional farm managers can bridge operational gaps and facilitate effective transition planning for absentee landowners.
• Utilizing Conservation Easements: Peggy Hall and Ellie Ewing (Ohio State) detailed how agricultural and conservation easements serve as durable but flexible legal tools within comprehensive farm succession plans.

Legal Protection & Tax Optimization

• Shielding Assets Against Divorce: Attorney Morgan Lyles (Stebelton Snider LPA) outlined essential protective provisions to incorporate into business operating agreements and estate plans to safeguard the family farm in domestic disputes.
• Navigating Corporate Asset Transfers: Ryan Conklin and Johnny Cottingim (Wright & Moore Law Co.) addressed the tax hurdles of moving assets out of legacy corporations and strategies to minimize negative tax exposure.
• Post-Death Tax Strategies: Robert Moore (Ohio State) examined key tax planning mechanisms to maximize tax basis step-ups and secure favorable tax treatment following the death of a spouse.

The conference reinforced that successful farm succession requires both technical legal tools and open, cross-professional collaboration.  The best transition plans usually involve multiple advisors. Thank you to all our presenters and attendees for contributing to a productive event!

Cultivating Connections is held each year, alternating annually with odd years hosted in Iowa and even years in Ohio. Be sure to look out for details on next year’s conference and plan to join us in Iowa or online!