Is Your Farm and Family Ready for Your Death?

One of the most difficult and most frequently avoided questions farm families face is: What happens to our farm when I die? To help answer this question, Ohio State University Extension is offering a free, practical webinar designed to guide farm families through the critical first steps of getting their farm and family affairs in order.

Titled “Is Your Farm and Family Ready for Your Death?”, the webinar will be Monday, July 27 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. The program will help participants move beyond uncertainty and begin building a clear, thoughtful plan for the future of their farm and family.

The session will be taught by David Marrison, OSU Extension Field Specialist in Farm Management, and assisted by Robert Moore, Attorney with the OSU Agricultural & Resource Law Program, bringing together both farm management and legal expertise to help families understand the process from multiple perspectives.

Rather than jumping directly into legal documents and financial arrangements, the webinar encourages a more holistic approach rooted in reflection, communication, and organization. Participants will explore key questions that shape the future of family farms, including:

• What legacy do you want to leave?
  Families are encouraged to reflect on their history and define a shared vision for the future, whether that involves continuing the farm business, transitioning to rental arrangements, or planning for eventual sale.
• Who should inherit the farm?
  The program will challenge participants to think beyond tradition and consider stewardship to identifying who is best equipped to manage and protect farm assets for future generations.
• What do you own and owe?
  Attendees will learn how to develop an estate balance sheet that combines farm and personal assets and liabilities, a foundational step in effective planning.
• Are you organized?
  Experts will share strategies for organizing critical documents and records so that families and advisors can act efficiently when the time comes.

As part of the webinar, participants will be introduced to practical tools designed to simplify the process. One such resource is the Farm Asset and Resource Management Spreadsheet (FARMS), a free Excel-based tool developed by OSU Extension. FARMS helps farm families inventory assets and liabilities, document key contacts, and evaluate potential planning scenarios.

The webinar also emphasizes the importance of communication among family members. Differing expectations about the farm’s future can lead to misunderstandings if not addressed early. By encouraging open dialogue, the program aims to help families align their goals and make intentional decisions.

This session is designed for farmers of all ages and operation sizes, whether they are just beginning to think about succession or revisiting an existing plan.

Event Details:

• Title: Is Your Farm and Family Ready for Your Death?
• Date: Monday, July 27
• Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
• Location: Online (Zoom)
• Cost: Free

Pre-registration is required at: http://go.osu.edu/prepforfuture