The Office of Farm and Ranch Transition at Kansas State University Agricultural Economics, in partnership with community college agricultural programs, is hosting one-day conferences designed for beginning farmers and ranchers. As many baby-boomer farmers/ranchers across Kansas prepare for retirement, there is a growing need to equip the next generation of farm and ranch operators to ensure the future of rural communities. This conference aims to help young people, particularly those between the ages of 17 and 30, understand what it takes to enter and succeed in production agriculture. While the event is geared toward students, it will also be open to the public.

Reasons for Beginning Farmers/Ranchers to Attend

Participants will gain practical skills in transition planning and farm management that can be applied to their own family farming operations. In addition, the program will introduce USDA-FSA loan opportunities, offering valuable information on financial resources available to help beginning farmers and ranchers overcome the challenges of entering production agriculture.

Agenda Items

• Conferences will run 9 am to 3 pm (extend to 4 pm based on interest/need)

• Lunch will be sponsored by K-State College of Agriculture

• Topics to be included (full schedule forthcoming):

• Succession Planning: How land, equipment and livestock can be transitioned between generations

• Communication: Techniques to talk to your family about transition planning

• USDA-FSA Beginning Farmer Loans: Opportunities to finance your farm

• Kansas Land-Link Program: Matching retiring farmers/ranchers with young people interested in agriculture

• Lease Agreements: Common types, negotiation techniques, written contracts

• Farm Financial Management: How to set your farm up for financial success