Passing the Torch - Dairy Farm Succession Planning

By Blake Jackson

Transitioning a family farm to the next generation involves much more than handing over land and assets - it’s a change in lifestyle, responsibilities, and priorities. One of the most important yet often overlooked parts of this process is planning for health care. Both retiring and beginning farmers face unique challenges in securing affordable and reliable coverage.

To help families navigate these issues, Penn State Extension and the Center for Dairy Excellence are hosting “Passing the Torch” Transition Planning Workshops this November.

The workshops will take place on November 18 in East Earl, PA, and November 20 in State College, PA. Each event will run for a full day and include lunch. Entire dairy farm families are encouraged to attend. Registration is $25 for the first two family members and $5 for each additional participant.

“With 20 families already planning to join us at these November workshops, it’s evident that transition planning is a complicated and important process that many dairy farm families are facing. Transition planning looks very different for every family. There are a variety of financial, legal, accounting, and lifestyle considerations to think about,” said Melissa Anderson, Programs and Operations Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence.

“That’s why we have outside advisors joining us at these workshops to help lead one-on-one family roundtable discussions to keep communication moving in a productive way with the immediate family members who attend the event with you.”

One featured session, “Retirement Planning and Health Care: What to Think About,” led by Samantha Gehrett and Paula Ledney, will explore how health care factors into farm succession. Retiring farmers often face rising medical costs, while younger farmers may lack employer-sponsored insurance. Planning ahead can prevent financial stress and ensure a smooth transition.

Additional sessions will be presented by experts from Hazen Law Group, Top Notch Accounting, and the Center for Dairy Excellence, focusing on legal, accounting, and financial aspects of succession.

To register or view the full agenda, call 717-346-0849 or visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/passing-the-torch. For questions, contact Melissa Anderson at manderson@centerfordairyexcellence.org.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave