Navigating Change: Family Farm Plans for the Future
Please note: The family featured in this story has asked to remain anonymous as they continue working through their planning process.
Although the inheriting generation is now spread across the U.S., their family farm in the Midwest continues to be a shared priority that brings them together. Following the loss of a parent earlier this year, the family has begun moving forward with succession planning. While the siblings are not set to inherit the land while their surviving parent remains the landowner, they are taking a proactive approach to preparing for the farm’s future. Succession planning, however, can be complex and involves financial, emotional, and relational decisions. Families often must clarify goals, navigate difficult conversations, and build consensus while managing grief and living far from one another.
As they begin considering what comes next, the siblings sought support from American Farmland Trust’s (AFT) Land Transfer Navigators program, funded nationally by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and expanded regionally through generous support from Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM). Through these initiatives, legacy planning is addressed holistically. Farmers across the Midwest receive direct technical assistance to develop succession plans, connect with available resources and funding opportunities, and build peer networks. With this help, the family is beginning to have more open conversations about the future of the farm and explore opportunities that align with their shared values and goals. “I’m forever grateful for AFT staff’s consultation time to help us navigate the complexities of relationships, opportunities, policies, and decision-making related to the future of our family farm," one family member involved in the planning process shared. With guidance from AFT Midwest Navigator Anna Sekine, the family is engaging in discussions that might otherwise feel overwhelming, while identifying practical next steps and exploring available options.
One option the family is currently exploring is how to protect their farm while planning for its eventual transition. During one of their first conversations together as part of the planning process, the siblings gathered virtually and reflected on the sights, sounds, and memories that make the farm so meaningful. They laughed as they recalled the familiar smell of manure drifting through the air and the sound of the farmhouse door slamming as they raced in and out as children. The property spans multiple counties and includes a historic farmhouse, wooded areas, wetlands, and a river enjoyed by both the family and the broader community. As they balance their desire to prevent development with the possibility of a future sale, they are learning about tools like agricultural conservation easements, which are voluntary agreements that permanently limit development and keep the land available for farming in perpetuity. These early conversations are helping the family better understand different pathways and lay the groundwork for future decisions.
Their story reflects a reality facing many farm families across the country. While succession planning can feel daunting, starting early, as this family has done, creates valuable opportunities to explore options, align family goals, and make thoughtful decisions before a transition becomes urgent. By working through planning materials, setting regular check-ins, and leveraging AFT’s network of resources and connections, families can take meaningful first steps toward a future that honors their loved ones’ legacy while creating opportunities for the next generation. Through personalized support and trusted guidance, AFT is here to help families move forward with greater confidence as they plan for the long-term stewardship and future of their land.
