A new statewide initiative, the Ohio Farm Transition Network (OFTN), has officially launched operations to address one of the most pressing challenges facing Ohio agriculture: helping farm families successfully plan for the transition of their farms to the next generation.
Agricultural leaders from across Ohio have come together around a shared commitment to help farm families plan for the future by working from the same playbook. This collaboration aligns organizations, service providers, and educators around common language, expectations, and approaches to farm transition planning, reducing confusion for farmers and strengthening outcomes. “Farm families are best served when the industry is aligned and working together,” said Tim Hicks with Ohio Farm Bureau. “This collaborative effort reflects a shared responsibility to provide clear, consistent guidance that helps farmers make informed decisions and move confidently into the next generation.”
The Ohio Farm Transition Network will:
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Train and support attorneys, accountants, lenders, financial advisors, insurance professionals, Extension educators, and other agricultural service providers involved in farm transition planning.
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Standardize terminology and best practices to improve the quality and reliability of transition planning services.
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Serve as a statewide clearinghouse of educational resources and qualified service providers.
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Increase awareness of the importance of proactive farm transition planning.
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Measure progress and impact through data collection and reporting on completed transition plans
Visit the Ohio Farm Transition Network’s official website for more information.