By Andi Anderson
Registration is now open for the Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation’s (INAgLaw) 2025 Estate & Succession Planning for the Family Farm workshop.
The annual program is designed to support family farmers, agricultural business owners, and attorneys in understanding how to plan for a smooth farm transition. This year’s event will be held virtually on Thursday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to noon Eastern Time and is free for all participants.
The session comes at a critical time as more farmers near retirement. According to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, “Almost 40% of all farmers are at or beyond retirement age, while just 8% are under 35.” With this shift, the importance of preparing for the future of family farms has never been greater.
John Shoup, INAgLaw Director, emphasized the importance of timely planning. “The conversation of transitioning the farm to the next generation can be difficult to navigate. This program is designed to encourage family members to have intentional conversations and provide tools for a successful transition,” he said.
The workshop will feature three expert-led sessions:
- Farm Succession Planning – The Basics by Cheryl Mitchell, Farm Legacy
- Hot Topics in Farm Estate Planning by Michelle Adler, Gordon, Adler, Hayes & Washburn P.C.
- How to Retire – Farm Family Edition by Justin Schuhmacher, Indiana Estate and Elder Law
These sessions offer practical, expert guidance to help farm families take their first steps in estate and succession planning. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions after each presentation.
Those interested must register by Tuesday, July 15 at www.infb.org/events. CLE credits are being pursued for attending attorneys.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle