Farmland Owner? Here’s What to Do If Your Kids Live Out of State

Adult child discussing farmland estate planning with aging parents

Farmland owners whose children live out of state should prioritize estate planning, clear legal documentation, and defined management strategies. Proactive planning—including trusts, leasing arrangements, and professional farm managers—protects the land’s value and reduces conflict among heirs across different states. More American families face this reality every year: the family farm stays rooted in the Midwest […]

Fair vs. Equal: Why Farm Succession Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Combine harvesting soybeans on a family farm, highlighting the importance of fair and equitable farm succession planning to preserve agricultural operations for future generations.

Equal division of farm assets—splitting everything 50/50—often creates more conflict than it resolves. True fairness in farm succession means accounting for each heir’s contribution, involvement, and future role, then building a plan that reflects those realities rather than a simple formula. Few conversations are harder to have on a family farm than succession planning. Who […]

How to Make Your Farm More Attractive to the Next Buyer

Grain bins and farm infrastructure on a well-maintained rural property, highlighting features that make farmland more attractive to buyers.

To make your farm more attractive to buyers, prioritize enhancing visual appeal, modernizing farm infrastructure, and organizing your financial documents. Updating equipment and proving sustainable practices will maximize your land’s value, ensuring a smoother transaction and a higher final sale price. Selling Midwestern farmland is a major financial milestone, especially when planning for retirement or […]