Working in a farm successor as part of a retirement plan

By Wyatt Fraas
associate director of farm and community, Center for Rural Affairs

Posted 5/26/26

Are you one of the many farmers without an identified farm successor? Purdue University says that's around 75%, and about half expect nonfamily members to take over. A gradual shift of responsibilities and ownership, plus an extended mentoring period, can help ensure the continued success of the farm business.