Farm Transition Planning in Northern Michigan: Passing the Torch for Successful Succession

Are you looking for guidance on how to pass on your farm to the next generation or another farmer? Interested in learning more about conservation agreements for farm succession planning? Or maybe you want to keep the farm running but don’t have someone lined up to take over? If any of these scenarios resonate with you, then you won’t want to miss the free seminar on farm succession planning in Traverse City on February 13, 2025. This event is a collaborative effort between MSU Extension, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, the Leelanau Conservancy, and MIFarmLink.

During the day-long seminar, MSU Extension presenters will cover succession planning basics, family communication, and key questions to consider moving forward. Representatives from the Conservancy will discuss conservation easements, how they function, and how they can support successful estate planning. MIFarmLink will also be on hand to talk about their efforts to connect landowners with farmers in need of land.

After lunch, a panel of farmers will share their firsthand experiences with farm transitions. Lunch will be provided. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy offices on 2846 N. Three Mile Rd, Traverse City, Mich. While the seminar is free to attend, registration is highly encouraged.

The agenda for the day includes an orientation to succession planning, an overview of transfer techniques and instruments such as trusts, wills, gifting, and selling, as well as discussions on connecting farmers with farmland and conservation agreements for succession planning. The workshop is supported in part by the Land Transfer Navigators Program, a collaboration led by the American Farmland Trust with backing from USDA-NRCS.

To secure your spot, be sure to register at https://events.anr.msu.edu/Passingthetorch2025/. For more information on this topic, visit the Michigan State University Extension website. If you’d like to receive updates straight to your inbox, sign up for their newsletters. And if you need to get in touch with an expert, visit their expert directory or give them a call at 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).