International Farm Transition Network

10/11/2026

Our next International Farm Transition Network (IFTN) Education Hour will feature colleagues from Purdue University, Dr Maria Marshall, Jenna Nees, Courtney Schmidt and Shalee Bradley, who will present on the topic of ‘Beyond the Balance Sheet: Navigating Relationships, Finances, and Succession in Farm Families’.

The session will explore how farm succession involves more than financial considerations, highlighting the challenges posed by unspoken expectations, generational tensions and delays in succession planning. Drawing on their expertise, the Purdue University team will share practical frameworks, tools and communication strategies to help farm families and their advisors navigate these challenges and plan transitions on their own terms.

More information and registration details for this upcoming Education Hour, taking place on Wednesday, the 4th of November, can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iftn-november-2026-education-hour-tickets-2003058791767

08/12/2026

Our next Education Hour will feature our Board Member, Dr Shane Conway from Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland, who will present on the topic of ‘Reaching the Harder-to-Reach: Building Trust Through Communication and Engagement with Older Farmers'.

The session explores the importance of recognising older farmers as experienced custodians of farms, families and rural communities whose identities, knowledge and decision-making roles have evolved over a lifetime, as a foundation for meaningful communication and engagement.

Drawing on research and practical experience, Dr Conway will highlight the important role that farm succession facilitators can play in fostering open dialogue, strengthening intergenerational communication and supporting older farmers to engage in succession planning and other important life transitions. The session will also explore how storytelling, shared experiences and community-based activities can create natural opportunities for reflection and conversation, helping to build trust and encourage meaningful engagement with older farmers.

More information & registration details for this upcoming talk, taking place on Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 at 11am U.S. Eastern Time can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iftn-september-2026-education-hour-tickets-1997567304581

07/21/2026

07/13/2026

Two infographics presented by our Board Member and Conference Chair, Dr Shane Conway, at this year's International Farm Transition Network (IFTN) Annual Professional Development Conference in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA, hosted by Pennsylvania Farm Link, highlight the importance of placing people, relationships and communication at the centre of intergenerational farm and ranch transition.

The first introduces Farmer's Yards, an evidence-informed, age-friendly social initiative supporting older farmers through social connection, wellbeing and succession-related conversations.

The second explores the human dimensions of farm succession, emphasising that successful transition is not simply a legal or financial process, but one shaped by trust, identity, communication, evolving roles and shared understanding.

The IFTN is proud to provide a platform for sharing practical tools, research and international perspectives that support more inclusive, effective and sustainable approaches to farm and ranch transition.

06/24/2026

Our next Education Hour will feature Dr Adam N. Rabinowitz & Professor Katie Keown from Auburn University, who will present on the topic of ‘Considerations of Quality, Fairness & Undivided Interests in Farm Succession Planning of Heirs Property’.

The complex balance between equality and fairness in farm succession planning, with a focus on the challenges posed by heirs’ property and undivided ownership. Participants can expect to gain insight into how these dynamics influence decision-making, family relationships, and the long-term viability of farm operations. The session highlights considerations necessary to find practical strategies when helping families navigate competing goals, reduced conflict, and the development of succession plans that are both equitable and sustainable.

More information & registration details for this upcoming talk, taking place on Thursday, July 9th, 2026 at 11am CT can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iftn-july-2026-education-hour-tickets-1992152291130

06/24/2026

We get to meet and interact with some pretty amazing people doing what we do for a living. Yesterday, we had one of those opportunities! We were asked to host a group of farmers from the International Farm Transition Network (IFTN). Ellie got to spend about 30 minutes with about 65 people from all over the US and the world talking about what our farm transition process has looked like. There were people here from Africa, Scandinavia, Ireland, and just about all of the key ag-producing states across the US as well. It was an honor to spend some time with them and share our experiences.

We’re proud to say that we were able to fully transition our business from our first generation to the second and third, and we are about two-thirds of the way through a transition from the second to the third generation. We hope and pray that in the next 10 years or so, perhaps some of our fourth generation will have returned to our farm such that we are beginning to talk about what the next generational transition will look like. Time will tell. We can't express enough how proud we are that just about every member of our fourth generation can be found working on the farm this summer. Gabriel, a junior in college, is working out with our crew on the farm all summer along with his brother, Fin, and cousin, Cooper, both rising 9th graders. Evangeline, who just graduated from high school, can be found working in our retail market along with her cousin, Claire, a rising 6th grader. And Bennett and Wesley, sons of Wayne, can be found helping their Dad up in the wholesale building helping to put customer orders together. It truly is a family farm. ❤

06/24/2026

Words from our own ALEI, Paul Goeringer, on his time at the International Farm Transition Network conference.

"I got the opportunity to present on work the Farm Succession team at UMD did to better understand the needs of farmers in this area and how we adopted programming to match those needs. This was all during the International Farm Transition Network's annual conference in Gettysburg PA. The conference was great with an opportunity to connect with folks nationally and internationally working in this field. At the same time, it was a great opportunity to get to see my fellow IFTN board members in person and help plot a path to help IFTN grow".

06/09/2026

One week on from our successful Annual Professional Development Conference in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., we are reflecting on the many important conversations that took place around the future of farming and the role of women in shaping that future.

This powerful image featuring Iowa farmer, Krystal Doolittle, created by Pioneer Seeds, reminds us that women have long been at the heart of farming and ranching businesses. Yet too often their contributions, perspectives and aspirations have been overlooked in discussions about family farm succession and transition.

For generations, women have played vital roles in sustaining farm businesses, supporting families, managing operations and shaping the future of agriculture. Increasingly, however, women are not just marrying farmers, they are becoming farm owners, managers, successors and leaders in their own right.

"Her great-grandmother married a farmer.
Her grandmother married a farmer.
Her mother married a farmer.
Her husband married a farmer."

This is an important conversation that must continue. As highlighted by our keynote speaker, Professor Maura Farrell from the University of Galway, Ireland, women play a central role in succession planning, decision-making and shaping the future direction of farm and ranch businesses.

The future of farming depends on recognising and valuing the contributions, experiences and leadership of women across generations. The IFTN is proud to facilitate these important conversations.

05/21/2026

It's not too late! ⏰Join us for a great line up of speakers and farm visits in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania June 2-3 for all things farm transition! 📌
Register now: 💯 https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/international-farm-transition-network-annual-conference

04/30/2026

There is still time left to regsiter for this year’s International Farm Transition Network (IFTN) Annual Professional Development Conference taking place from June 2–3, 2026 at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel & Conference Center, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA, kindly hosted by Pennsylvania Farm Link.

Register here: https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/international-farm-transition-network-annual-conference?fbclid=IwY2xjawRgFE5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBETVBuaFQyUGgwamZQUGxzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtyXkqhLNSly1x7iYy0-BFwbesQdL7PXM68epOUWIKSi8FuUQPWkaIjf8e1b_aem_A-cynTRKM_jc6BH1f-2YvA

This year’s theme, ‘Beyond Assets: Roles, Relationships and Family Dynamics in Farm Transition’, will feature a keynote from Professor Maura Farrell from the University of Galway, Ireland, who will present on 'Invisible to Indispensable: Recognising Women’s Central Role in Farm Succession and Continuity'.

Russell Redding, Secretary of Agriculture at Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Dr Florence Becot, Agricultural Safety and Health Program Lead at Penn State University, have also been confirmed as speakers at this year's coference.

Farm Credit Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Pennsylvania Farm Show Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center