Farm Planning and Transitions

Succession Planning for the Farm

A strong farm succession plan asks who will own the farm, who will run it, and what happens when the farm is sold. A plan can involve transferring the farm to a child, another family member who wants to continue the operation, or preparing for a sale or lease to the next generation of farmers. The goal is a written farm succession plan that gives your family a clearer picture of what comes next.

Beginning Farmer Tax Credits

In some situations, the Pennsylvania Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program can support a farm transition by offering a state income tax credit when you sell or lease qualifying agricultural assets, such as land, buildings, livestock, or machinery, to a beginning farmer. The program has specific requirements, including limits on years of farming income, experience or transferable skills, and an intent to farm. We help you review whether this credit fits your situation and how it might work alongside your overall farm succession or sale strategy.

Farm Transition and Estate Planning

Farm transition planning and estate planning should move in the same direction so your family is not left with confusion or conflict later. We review your wills and trusts to make sure they support your farm transition planning goals. When needed, we update those documents so they reflect how your family farm actually operates today and who you want making decisions if you cannot. When your legal documents and your transition plan line up, it becomes much easier for your family to carry out your wishes.

Real Estate Services for Farms

Successful farm transitions depend on more than just the business plan. They also require the right contracts and agreements to transfer the farmland, barns, storage facilities, and other real estate tied to your agricultural operation. We help create and review the legal documents needed to move those assets in a way that supports the farm’s future and keeps the transition on track. For help with the deeds, contracts, and other real estate details that come with a farm transition, our real estate team can help guide the process.