Farm Transition - AgCentric

Farm Transition and Estate Planning

Create Your Farm Legacy

Planning the future of your farm means more than passing down the land—it’s about preserving your family’s values, goals, and long-term success. AgCentric is proud to support workshops, webinars, and retreats designed to help farm families navigate the complexities of transition and estate planning.

Whether you’re beginning the conversation or finalizing a plan, these opportunities offer expert guidance, practical tools, and the space to move forward with confidence.

Workshops

Our one-day Farm Transition and Estate Planning Workshops help farm families build a foundation for their future with clear, actionable information.

Topics include:

Setting family, retirement, and business goals
Understanding business entities and transition strategies
Evaluating financial viability
Navigating tax issues in transitions
Identifying estate planning tools and assembling a professional team

Webinars

Start planning from home with introductory webinars that explore:

Goal setting and communication
Basic tax and legal considerations
Transition methods and next steps

These sessions are ideal for those in the early stages of planning.

Multi-Generational Retreats

Hosted by the University of Minnesota Extension in partnership with the Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence, these 1.5-day Farm Transition Retreats provide a focused environment for in-depth planning and meaningful family discussions.

All generations actively involved in the farm—including spouses, partners, and other key decision-makers—should attend together.

At the retreat, families will explore:

Family and business goals
Roles and responsibilities
Financial needs of farms and households
Inheritance and transfer considerations
Tools and mechanisms for transition

Registration is open!

farm transition registration

Upcoming Events

Marshall – Merit Center, 1001 Erie Rd, Marshall, MN 56258
Friday, December 4, 2026: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday, December 5, 2026: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Red Wing – Pier 55 Red Wing Area Seniors, 240 Harrison St #2, Red Wing, MN 55066
Friday, January 29, 2027: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday, January 30, 2027: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

North Mankato – South Central College, 1920 Lee Blvd, North Mankato, MN 56003
Friday, February 19, 2027: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday, February 20, 2027: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

St. Cloud – St. Cloud Technical and Community College – 1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303
Friday, March 12, 2027: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday, March 13, 2027: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Questions? Contact Tina LeBrun at tina.lebrun@southcentral.edu.

Farm Succession Coordinators:

Planning for the future of your farm doesn’t have to happen alone.

Farm succession can involve difficult decisions about family, finances, ownership, management and the future of the operation. Having someone knowledgeable to talk through those decisions can help farm families better understand their options and begin building a plan.

Farm Succession Coordinators Jim Molenaar and Kathy Hommerding are trained to work with Minnesota farm families navigating the succession-planning process. They are available to meet in person or by phone at no cost to farm families across Minnesota, thanks to funding provided through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Whether you are just beginning the conversation or already working through a transition plan, Jim and Kathy can serve as resources as you determine the next steps for your farm.

Jim Molenaar

Phone: 320-894-9124
Email: jmolenaar6@gmail.com

Kathy Hommerding

Phone: 320-333-4750
Email: kathy.hommerding@clcmn.edu

Farm Transition Newsletters

How to Start Our Farm Succession

Making the Most of Your Goals

For assistance with difficult family transition conversations please contact Monica McConkey, Traci Rutherford Self, or Jennifer Vaughn, MN Rural Mental Health Specialists.