Beginning Farmer & Land Access
Farm Transfer Planning for Retiring Farmers
A guide to planning the transfer of a farm for retiring farmers. It helps owners think through timing, successors, income needs, and the advisors to involve.
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GuideBeginning Farmer & Land AccessFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Write down retirement goals
- Decide who might take over
- Talk openly with family
- Inventory land, buildings, and equipment
- List debts and obligations
- Estimate retirement income needs
- Meet an attorney and tax professional
- Consider a gradual transition
- Set a review schedule
How to use this guide
Follow the steps in order and write down any changes you make. Where your equipment or product has instructions, those come first.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with USDA and eXtension.
For more in this area, see the Farm Money and Grants. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Farm Field Days Draw 27 Salesmen, Three Farmers and One Man Who Came for Lunch, and agribusiness farm stories.