Building Capacity For Values-Based Farm Transition Advising

Commodities

Practices

• Education and Training: decision support system, focus group, networking, technical assistance, workshop
• Farm Business Management: farm succession

A large amount of farmland in Nebraska is expected to change hands in the coming years, and many landowners are seeking guidance on how to transition their farms, whether inside or outside the family. Farm and ranch transition or succession is often approached as an economic decision to provide retirement income, manage taxes, or create a monetary estate for heirs. However, many landowners also consider factors such as fairness among family heirs, conservation goals, assisting the next generation, and maintaining family ownership continuity. Landowners often lack the language or concrete plans to bring to discussions with their financial and legal advisors.

Agricultural professionals (Extension, government agency staff, non-profit staff, and vo-ag instructors) are often the first point of contact for landowners, but few feel equipped to guide these complex and personal conversations.

To address this need, the Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) will develop and deliver a Train-the-Trainer Farm Transition program that strengthens the capacity of agricultural professionals to assist landowners and aspiring farmers. Through a structured cohort model, 20-25 participants will take part in hands-on training that combines legal and financial fundamentals with facilitation, communication, and values-based decision-making skills.

The project will develop a practical curriculum, host multi-session trainings, produce a resource toolkit, and create a peer learning network to encourage ongoing collaboration. Expected outcomes include increased confidence among professionals, more informed and inclusive land transition decisions, and stronger connections between landowners and beginning farmers-helping ensure that farmland remains in active, community-rooted ownership.

The project will generate a complete, replicable train-the-trainer model with accompanying curriculum, educational materials, and networks that extend professional capacity beyond the initial training cohort. Outputs are organized by phase for clarity.

Phase 1: Curriculum Development

• One comprehensive Farm Transition Curriculum with youth and adult modules.
• Facilitator Guide with case studies, lesson plans, and resource templates.
• Pilot-tested materials reviewed by partners to ensure statewide applicability.

Phase 2: Recruitment & Orientation

• 20-25 agricultural educators recruited and oriented to program structure.
• Participant database with contact and institutional information.
• Orientation session recorded for reuse with future cohorts.

Phase 3: Training Delivery

• One two-day professional development training, hybrid or in-person.
• Participant-prepared lesson plans and facilitation exercises.
• Pre/post assessment data from 100% of participants.
• Guest sessions from legal, financial, and mediation specialists.

Phase 4: Classroom Implementation

• 4-6 hours of instruction delivered by each trained educator.
• At least 200 secondary or adult learners reached through classroom or community implementation.
• Collection of "Farm Transition Pathways" planning projects demonstrating applied learning and real-world relevance.

Phase 5: Evaluation & Feedback

• Compiled participant reflections and post-training survey data.
• Evaluation summary report with recommendations for improvement.
• Online debrief recording for continued professional reference.
• Refined curriculum materials incorporating evaluation insights.
• Collection of participant stories and draft case studies for inclusion in final reporting.

Phase 6: Support & Follow-Up

• Launch of a peer learning network (20-25 members) with quarterly virtual meetups.
• Establishment of an online resource hub containing toolkit materials, case studies, and recorded webinars.
• At least five local or regional workshops co-hosted by trained educators within 12 months of training.

Phase 7: Scaling & Dissemination

• Finalized and branded Train-the-Trainer Toolkit (digital and printable).
• Public availability via CFRA, Extension, and SARE dissemination channels.
• Presentation of project findings and lessons learned at state or regional conferences.
• Impact brief summarizing outcomes and replication opportunities.