By Mike Ghia, VT Farm Viability Program
What is the future of your farm? If you are like most farmers, you are so busy with the day-to-day business of farming you find it difficult to take the time to plan ahead long-term, particularly planning for a transition from one generation to the next. It can be especially challenging during times of financial uncertainty. And it can difficult if there is not someone immediately lined up to take over the farm. At the same time, you probably have hopes for the future of your farm, and have thought some about what you would like to happen to your business and your land. With sound succession planning with concrete action steps, it is more likely that the goals and desires of all the generations involved can be met, and there is a greater likelihood that the farm will stay in farming.
The “Farm Succession Planning Webinar Series” is for farmers to learn about key issues, tools and resources to help them make informed decisions and take action steps towards transferring their farm to the next generation of their family or a non-family successor. Farmers will learn from professionals who can help in the process and from other farmers. Topics include retirement, financial, and estate planning, taxes, legal entities, and determining goals for retirement, business transitions, and your land. All generations, including family and non-family members, who may play a role in your farms future are encouraged to attend.
This series is organized by Land For Good, in partnership with the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board and will be held on 4 successive Wednesday’s 11 am-1pm starting January 18th. For more info and to register, visit https://landforgood.org/how/training/ to register or call 603-357-1600 or write to info@landforgood.org for more information.