How will your family farm operate in the future when the owner retires or is gone? Are you currently working with another generation who may be questioning their role in the future of the farm, or are you yourself questioning your current role?

More than 80 percent of farm families hope to pass the family farm on to the next generation, but research shows only 30 percent of family farms survive to the second generation, and only 12 percent survive to the third generation. A successful transition to the next generation takes careful planning.

To help farm families start their succession planning process, Cornell Cooperative Extension educators will present a new interactive program that empowers families to get started on their succession plan. Participants will have an opportunity to open the lines of communication with family to create a shared vision for the family business. They will also learn to choose and work with professionals such as attorneys, accountants, lenders, insurance agents and tax experts to construct a plan and documents that put the family's vision into action. This program will prepare you to envision, communicate, plan, write and shape the legacy of your farm or ranch business.

This program is a 4-evening remote course via Zoom in conjunction with an online learning platform to be used between meetings. The program will run from 6:30-8 p.m. October 8th, 15th 22nd and 29th. The cost is $60 per farm family and includes a workbook valued at $20. Contact Mary Kate Wheeler at mkw87@cornell.edu for more information. The registration deadline is September 30 to ensure on-time delivery of the workbook.

To learn more and register, visit: https://scnydfc.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=1293