Leaving a Lasting Legacy

A multi-state extension workshop series will offer strategies to evaluate and improve farm estate and transition plans.

“Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women: A Succession Planning Series,” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Eastern time on Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11 at sites across Kansas, Nebraska and Indiana. The series is being produced through a collaborative effort by extension programs at Kansas State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Purdue University.

Topics covered will include motivation for succession planning, communicating with family, the financial aspects of estate and transition plans, and the legal aspects of putting a plan in place. A keynote speaker will be simulcast to every workshop location during each meeting, with time for questions and a hands-on activity for participants. Polly Dobbs, Esq. with Dobbs & Folz will be the keynote speaker on the final evening.  Polly’s passion lies with helping family-owned farms and closely held business achieve a smooth succession.  Having grown up on a farm, she understands the unique issues facing farm families. 

“Planning for what happens to your things when you’re gone can be daunting, but it’s so important, especially in agriculture, so that the transition to the next generation goes smoothly,” said Jenna Nees, co-chair of the Purdue Women in Agriculture team. “This series will help women learn best practices and new strategies to help the transition and estate planning processes so they can take that back to their farm or ranch and help lead the way in creating or reevaluating their plans.”

Nees said the program’s structure is intended to strengthen networks of farm families in rural areas, which can provide opportunities for building trust and sharing information. “Connections are so important to rural families,” she said. “We have seen the benefits that come from knowing your peers, having a place to share difficulties, and mitigate the isolation that so many of us in agriculture often feel.”

Locally, individuals can participate in the program series at:

• Clay County Fairgrounds in Brazil, IN
• Fusion 53 in Crawfordsville, IN
• Morgan County Administration Building in Martinsville, IN

Those not able to travel to the in-person sites are encouraged to participate in the program virtually. A meal will be provided each evening for those participating in-person.

The registration fee for in-person attendance is $60 before Jan. 13 and increases to $75 on or after Jan. 13. A virtual option is available for $75. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions. More information and registration information is available at https://purdue.link/Legacy

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number2023-70027-40444. Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnamor you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events:

Dec. 9 – Putnam County PARP, 6 pm, Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, register at
https://tinyurl.com/PutPARP24

Dec. 23-Jan. 1 – Extension Office closed for holidays

Jan. 2 – Extension Office reopens

Jan. 13 – Early registration ends for Leaving a Lasting Legacy, Register at
https://purdue.link/Legacy

Jan. 21 – Leaving a Lasting Legacy begins

Jan. 23 – Join Annual Dinner for Purdue Extension & Putnam Co. SWCD, Fairgrounds,
                6:00 pm, $5 register in advance at 765-653-8411