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When USDA Farm Service Agency expanded its decades-old Certified Mediation Program to include work with family farm transition planning and landowner-neighbor disputes a few years ago, Ohio State University put Ohio Farm Resolution Services into action.

“When USDA expanded their mediation program, Peggy Hall and I thought it would be a good opportunity to help farm families with transition planning,” said Robert Moore, an attorney and research specialist for the OSU Agricultural & Resource Law Program. Moore was raised on a dairy farm in Coshocton County, and Hall is an attorney and is the director of the program.

Moore is also an owner emeritus of Wright & Moore Law Co. LPA, where he practiced law for 18 years. The law firm is known for its knowledge of agricultural and landowner law. Farm transition or succession planning were two of the top issues that cropped up when he was in full-time private practice, he said.

“Our idea with Ohio Farm Resolution Services is to provide some tools, strategies and ideas to get the conversation started,” Moore said, noting that often ideas about the next steps in farm succession planning are assumed but not articulated. “There’s a plan there, but everyone needs to find out what it is.”

In October of last year, OFRS was approved to become a certified USDA mediation service provider. While being a mediator of farm transitions was a catalyst for offering the service, there are many avenues of help and guidance available from the Ohio State group to farmers and landowners.

Moore stressed that the staff of Ohio Farm Resolution Services cannot draw up legal papers or act as attorneys, but can help families all the way up to that point. Beyond farm transitions, Moore said OFRS can help mediate other farm- and landowner-related issues and disputes as well.

“Our hope is to help before it gets (contentious),” Moore said. “At least they have a better understanding of the law and have a better chance of working it out with their neighbors or (the other party).”

Since becoming a certified mediation service provider, Moore said the group has helped foster a positive outcome in three farm transitions, three farm lease agreements, two land use zoning issues and provided one farm business consultation.

As word spreads, he hopes the expertise of OFRS helps more families and landowners plan for any long-term or short-term impacts to their farms and businesses.

“Each situation is different,” he said. “We encourage all farmers to reach out to us and see how we may be able to help.”

Online extra: Starting the conversation

Ohio Farm Bureau Senior Director of Leadership Development Melinda Witten is a certified coach for Legacy Conversations, which caters to the needs of farm families who find themselves grappling with decision-making challenges. She is working with Ohio Farm Resolution Services as well.

Witten said there are a few signs that indicate it is time to bring in an outside party to assist with farm transition planning.

Legacy Conversations is a guided process wherein a certified mediator collaborates closely with individuals or members of a farm family, providing valuable assistance in overcoming obstacles and cultivating fresh perspectives.

To learn more about Legacy Conversations, please email Melinda Witten at [email protected].