By Andi Anderson
The fourth annual Cultivating Connections Conference will take place from August 3 to August 5, 2026, bringing together professionals dedicated to helping family farms prepare for future generations. The event focuses on improving farm transition planning and supporting the long-term success and sustainability of agricultural businesses.
The conference is a collaborative effort between the Ohio State University Agricultural & Resource Law Program, the Iowa State University Center for Agricultural Law & Taxation, and the National Agricultural Center. Together, these organizations aim to provide education and resources that help professionals guide farm families through important transition decisions.
Farm transition planning has become increasingly important as many family-owned farms prepare for leadership changes, ownership transfers, and succession planning. The conference offers participants an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and practical skills that can help farming families manage these complex processes successfully.
Attendees will learn from leading industry experts through educational presentations, discussions, and interactive sessions. The program is designed to provide practical information on legal, financial, and management aspects of farm succession and business continuity. Participants will also have opportunities to engage in hands-on learning activities that strengthen their professional capabilities.
A key feature of the conference is its focus on networking and collaboration. Professionals from different fields will be able to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships that support their work with agricultural families. These connections can help create stronger support systems for farmers navigating major business and family decisions.
The event is intended for a wide range of professionals involved in agricultural planning and advisory services. Attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, lenders, consultants, and other professionals interested in farm transition planning are encouraged to participate. Both in-person and online attendance options are available, making the conference accessible to a broader audience.
Participants may also become eligible for membership in the newly established Ohio Farm Transition Network, which aims to connect experts who assist farm families with succession planning and long-term agricultural business management.
The conference highlights the importance of preserving family farm legacies while ensuring future generations have the resources and plans needed to continue successful operations. Through education, collaboration, and professional development, the event helps strengthen the agricultural community and supports the ongoing success of family-owned farms.
As farm businesses face changing economic conditions, evolving regulations, and generational transitions, conferences such as Cultivating Connections provide valuable guidance and resources. By bringing together experts and service providers, the event helps ensure that family farms remain productive, sustainable, and prepared for the future.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Ohio, Education