2025 Annual Farm Transition Program

As the average age of American farmers continues to rise, concerns about the future of family farms are growing. With more and more farms being lost, the spotlight is now on farm transition—the critical process of passing farms from one generation to the next.

Recognizing this urgent need, agriculture extension agents from the University of Kentucky (UK) and Kentucky State University (KSU) in the West 8 (W8) area identified farm transition as a priority issue during County Extension Council planning sessions for the 2025 Plan of Work.

Program Development and Delivery

In response, W8 agents organized a comprehensive regional Farm Transition Program, made possible through the generous sponsorship of local County Farm Bureau Federations. The full-day event featured an outstanding lineup of expert speakers and a panel discussion with professionals who work directly with farm transition cases in the W8 region.

Key partners in the event included:

• Kentucky Farm Bureau
• Kentucky Department of Agriculture
• Barren County Farm Bureau Federation
• Hart County Farm Bureau Federation
• Campbell, Myers, & Rutledge, CPA
• Cecilian Bank
• Kentucky State University
• University of Kentucky

Audience and Participation

The program was designed for current farm owners and operators, along with their potential successors. Local ag lenders and representatives from farm organizations were also among the target audience. A total of 31 individuals attended the event. Several W8 agents noted they walked away with valuable insights to support both their programming and their own family farm operations.

Program Impact

• 92% of participants said they would recommend the program to others
• 82% reported a clearer understanding of the farm transition planning process
• 88% found the panel discussion particularly helpful

Suggestions for Improvement

Participants recommended:

• More take-home reading materials
• A checklist or step-by-step guide to help navigate the transition process

Key Takeaways

• Start planning now — the earlier, the better
• There are many options and approaches — no one-size-fits-all solution
• Trusts are not as complex or intimidating as they may seem