By Blake Jackson
Agricultural professionals in Wisconsin have a new opportunity to enhance their expertise in farm succession planning through scholarship-supported training. The program is designed to help individuals who work closely with farmers develop the skills needed to guide successful farm transitions and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.
The Certified Farm Succession Coordinator (CFSC) Training is offered by the in partnership with the International Farm Transition Network (IFTN). The program focuses on providing practical tools, communication techniques, and facilitation strategies that can help farm families navigate the complex process of transferring ownership, management responsibilities, and assets from one generation to the next.
Farm succession planning has become increasingly important as many farm owners approach retirement age. With farmers aged 65 and older owning an estimated 40% of farmland in the United States, a significant amount of agricultural land and business assets is expected to change hands in the coming decades. As a result, the need for trained professionals who can assist with transition planning continues to grow.
Unlike traditional legal or financial planning services, the training emphasizes the human side of succession planning. Many farm transitions are delayed by difficult family discussions, communication challenges, and emotional concerns. The program equips participants with methods to facilitate productive conversations and help families move forward with informed decisions.
Joy Kirkpatrick, Farm Succession Outreach Specialist with UW-Madison Division of Extension explained the value of these skills, stating, “Many farm families have trusted advisors for legal, tax, and financial matters. Farm businesses and families often want someone who can also facilitate productive conversations and keep the process moving forward so they are better prepared to meet with their advisors. This training gives professionals practical tools to help farm families make informed decisions and achieve their succession goals.”
The training is suitable for a wide range of professionals, including agricultural industry representatives, lenders, financial advisors, accountants, tax specialists, attorneys, farm coaches, mediators, and others interested in supporting farm succession discussions.
Participants learn how to organize and guide succession planning meetings, apply practical worksheets and planning tools, evaluate real-world scenarios, and develop systems that help farms operate efficiently throughout the transition process. Individuals who complete the training and certification requirements may earn a digital badge and qualify to be listed as a coordinator through the International Farm Transition Network.
To increase succession planning capacity across Wisconsin, scholarships are available for service providers who work directly with Wisconsin farmers. These scholarships reduce registration costs by 50%, making professional development more accessible. Funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The next virtual training session is scheduled for January 2027 and consists of four required sessions. Through this initiative, agricultural professionals can gain valuable skills that help farm families protect their businesses, preserve relationships, and successfully plan for future generations.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Wisconsin, Education