Penn State Hosts Farm Transition Workshops

By Blake Jackson

Dairy farm families across Pennsylvania are invited to participate in “Passing the Torch” Transition Planning Workshops, a day-long event designed to help families prepare for the future of their farms.

Hosted by Penn State Extension and the Center for Dairy Excellence, the workshops will take place on November 18 in East Earl and November 20 in State College, offering participants valuable insights into managing the next generation of farm leadership.

“It’s never too early or too late to start thinking about ‘passing the torch’ and finding someone in line to transition ownership of your dairy business,” said Melissa Anderson, Programs and Operations Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence.

“You’ll participate in one-on-one family roundtable discussions that will be led by outside advisors to keep your family’s communication moving in a productive way.”

The workshops aim to help families strengthen communication, understand business dynamics, and plan for financial stability. Two main sessions will guide participants through the essentials of farm transition:

• “How Do We Begin?” led by Dr. Charlie Gardner, will explore productive communication strategies for families facing tough transition discussions.
• “Financial Considerations for Farm Transition” with Dr. Brian Reed, will focus on evaluating profitability, growth potential, and methods to gradually transfer decision-making and ownership.

Additional sessions led by experts from Penn State Extension, Hazen Law Group, and Top-Notch Accounting will cover legal, retirement, and accounting aspects of farm succession.

The workshops encourage full family participation, offering a collaborative approach to ensure smooth generational transitions. Registration is $25 for the first two family members and $5 for each additional participant, including lunch.

By attending these sessions, dairy families can take the first step toward securing their farm’s legacy and ensuring a successful future for the next generation of agricultural leaders.

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