Farm succession tools and tips

By Blake Jackson

The Genesee Valley Conservancy will host a free workshop in January to assist farmers and farm families with succession planning. The event, titled Planning a Farm Transfer, is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Livingston County Government Center in Room 205/208, located at 6 Court St.

This workshop aims to help farmers navigate the complex process of transferring land and business ownership. It will cover key strategies for successful farm transitions and provide tailored guidance to participants. Handouts will also be distributed to help attendees plan based on their individual goals. The session will be led by local real estate attorney Kate Kruk of Kruk and Campbell, P.C., in collaboration with the Genesee Valley Conservancy.

The workshop is free, but space is limited, so registration is required. Interested participants can secure their spot by completing the provided Google Form.

“We understand that one-third of farmers in the Genesee Valley are over 65 and will likely be transferring their farms in the next 15 years,” said Taylor Wilkie of the Genesee Valley Conservancy. “Our goal is to provide the tools and resources farmers need to secure their legacy, conserve their land and maintain the health of their soil for future generations.”

The event is part of the Conservancy’s broader efforts to support local farmers through microgrants and technical assistance. As one of only four Farm Navigators in the state, the Conservancy provides guidance to both experienced and new farmers in land stewardship.

The Genesee Valley Conservancy is a nationally accredited non-profit organization dedicated to protecting habitat, open space, and farmland within the Genesee River watershed. To date, it has conserved over 35,337 acres of land in partnership with private landowners.

This workshop aligns with the Great Lakes Farm Navigators project, an initiative led by the American Farmland Trust and supported by the Great Lakes Protection Fund. The project focuses on sustaining the Great Lakes' ecological health while fostering a strong agricultural economy.

For more details, contact Taylor Wilkie at (585) 969-3313 or email farmland@geneseevalleyconservancy.org. Visit geneseevalleyconservancy.org for additional information.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-kali9