Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast: Planning today for the farm’s tomorrow
Ryan Conklin of Wright & Moore Law joins us to talk about how planning ahead can give farm families more options and create more balance in everyday life.
Read More
A new statewide initiative, the Ohio Farm Transition Network, has officially launched operations to address one of the most pressing challenges facing Ohio agriculture: helping farm families successfully plan for the transition of their farms to the next generation.
Agricultural leaders from across Ohio have come together around a shared commitment to help farm families plan for the future by working from the same playbook. This collaboration aligns organizations, service providers, and educators around common language, expectations and approaches to farm transition planning, reducing confusion for farmers and strengthening outcomes.
“Farm families are best served when the industry is aligned and working together,” said Tim Hicks with Ohio Farm Bureau. “This collaborative effort reflects a shared responsibility to provide clear, consistent guidance that helps farmers make informed decisions and move confidently into the next generation.”
The Ohio Farm Transition Network will:
- Train and support attorneys, accountants, lenders, financial advisors, insurance professionals, Extension educators, and other agricultural service providers involved in farm transition planning
- Standardize terminology and best practices to improve the quality and reliability of transition planning services
- Serve as a statewide clearinghouse of educational resources and qualified service providers
- Increase awareness of the importance of proactive farm transition planning
- Measure progress and impact through data collection and reporting on completed transition plans
“OFTN exists to help farm families navigate the complex financial, legal, and personal decisions involved in passing a farm from one generation to the next,” said David Marrison, OSU farm management specialist and interim director of the Farm Financial Management and Policy Institute. “By strengthening the professionals who support farm families and coordinating efforts across the agricultural community, OFTN will help preserve Ohio farms for future generations.”
In its first year, Ohio Farm Transition Network will offer professional training workshops, develop a comprehensive website, grow a statewide membership of trained service providers, and support the completion of farm transition plans across Ohio.
The Ohio Farm Transition Network was established through the collaboration of the following founding members:
- AgCredit
- Farm Credit Mid-America
- Nationwide
- Ohio Corn and Wheat
- Ohio Department of Agriculture
- Ohio Farm Bureau
- Ohio Soybean Council
- Ohio State Bar Association/Agricultural Law Committee
- Ohio State University Extension
- USDA/Farm Service Agency
Funding for OFTN is generously provided by AgCredit, Farm Credit Mid-America, Nationwide, Ohio Corn and Wheat, and Ohio Soybean Council.
Together, all these organizations share a commitment to collaboration, education, and long-term sustainability for Ohio agriculture.
For more information about the Ohio Farm Transition Network, upcoming programs, or membership opportunities, contact David Marrison ([email protected]) or Robert Moore ([email protected]).
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Featured Articles
Ohio Farm Transition Network launches Statewide Professional Training Series to strengthen farm transition planning
The sessions are designed to promote cross-disciplinary understanding, and establish consistent terminology and best practices among professionals who help farm families navigate transition and succession planning.
Read More
Transitioning the farm: equitable vs. equal?
Conflict among family members and possible heirs threatens the farm’s survival. Possible solutions depend on the dynamics of your farm and your financial situation.
Read More
Creating success with your succession plan program is Monday, March 30 in Leipsic
Join Us for “Creating Success with Your Succession Plan,” the 3rd Installment in Our Program & Panel Series, on Monday,…
Read More
Ohio Farm Transition Network launches to strengthen farm succession planning across Ohio
This collaborative network is designed to improve access to high-quality farm transition planning services for farm families.
Read More
Legalities of leaving a family legacy
Ohio Farm Bureau has information on programs and tips on how to start the farm succession conversation, as do several of the organization’s partners.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast: Estate Tax and Farm Income Outlooks
Get a 2025 estate tax outlook and find out what the farm income outlook for this year on this Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast: Putting the Success in Succession Planning
Get a preview of the sessions focused on succession planning at this year’s Winter Leadership Experience.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast: Accelerating Broadband Expansion in Ohio
On this Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast, learn about an accelerator program helping communities tap into state funding and tap into more reliable internet. Plus, find out what goes into a good farm estate plan.
Read More