OSU Extension Guides Next-Gen Farm Transitions

By Andi Anderson

As Ohio’s farm families grow older, their most important harvest may not be crops like corn or soybeans, but rather the successful transfer of the farm to the next generation.

Data from the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture shows that the average age of U.S. farm producers has increased to 58.1 years, up from 57.5 in 2017.

In Ohio, the median age of farm operators rose from 55.8 years in 2017 to 56.3 in 2022. This trend highlights the urgent need for effective succession planning to preserve farmland and protect rural communities.

“At the heart of succession planning is trust and clear communication,” said David Marrison, Ohio State University Extension field specialist in farm management. “We guide families through establishing a shared vision, building next-generation leadership, and avoiding surprises that can derail the process.”

Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and OSU Extension are focusing heavily on this issue at the 63rd Farm Science Review (FSR), scheduled for Sept. 16-18 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London.

The event will feature over 4,000 product lines and more than 180 educational sessions, including programs that address farm succession challenges.

Among them are Stepping Up or Stepping Aside: Readiness for Farm Succession and Using Incentive Trusts in Farm Succession: Cultivating Good Decisions, set for Sept. 18 at the Ask the Expert stage. These sessions will provide step-by-step approaches to planning.

“It’s more than legal tools; it’s about preparing families emotionally, too,” said Peggy Hall, CFAES agricultural law specialist. “We talk honestly about tough conversations: roles, responsibilities, expectations. Without those discussions, the best legal plan can still fail.”

CFAES and OSU Extension also offer workshops, consultations, and tools like the FARMS (Farm Asset and Resource Management Spreadsheet) program to guide families year-round.

“Succession isn’t a single event; it’s a journey,” Marrison said. “The earlier families start, the more likely they’ll preserve what matters most.”

Advance tickets for FSR are $10, or $15 at the gate. Details are available at fsr.osu.edu.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev