Preparing the next generation鈥檚 return to the family farm is the focus of a conference organized by Kansas State University鈥檚 College of Agriculture on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 国产AV's Lon Frahm Agriculture Center, Room 631.
The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Conference is part of a free statewide series designed to help students, young producers, and new entrants to agriculture build sustainable careers and plan for successful farm transitions.
Developed by Robin Reid and Ashlee Westerhold from K-State鈥檚 Department of Agricultural Economics, the program provides practical tools and guidance for families navigating succession and long-term business planning.
鈥淩eturning home to the farm is more than just going back to work鈥攊t鈥檚 about ensuring the long-term viability of a business and maintaining strong family relationships,鈥� said Westerhold, director of the Office of Farm and Ranch Transition.
Conference topics include:
- Succession and estate planning
- Business structures and intergenerational fairness
- Farm financial management and lease agreements
- Communication strategies for family discussions
- USDA-FSA loan opportunities
- The Kansas Land-Link Program
Through interactive sessions and real-world examples, participants will learn how to initiate and navigate critical family conversations about the future of their operations.
Former participant Garrett Korte, who returned to his family鈥檚 seventh-generation, 10,000-acre farm, credited the program for helping make difficult discussions easier.
鈥淭hey [Ashlee and Robin] make it easier because they start the conversations a lot of people are scared to have,鈥� Korte said. 鈥淵ou realize you鈥檙e not the only one figuring this out.鈥�
The conference is free to attend, and lunch and materials are provided. Registration is required.
To RSVP or learn more, visit .
鈥淚f a beginning farmer or rancher can freely and openly communicate about their goals for the future of the farm with the older generation, they have a much better chance of succeeding,鈥� Westerhold said. 鈥淭hese conferences are about helping make that happen.鈥�