Farm Succession Planning

Michigan Farm Succession Study
Findings and Implications

Farm Management Agent
A Farm Transition Workshop in Leelanau County focused on strategies for passing the farm on to the next generation. Retired MSU Extension Farm Management Agent Van Varner was one of the workshop presenters. He talked about the importance of planning and communication when it comes to farm succession. Watch the video to find out more.

Attorney, Scott Harvey
Traverse City attorney Scott Harvey was one of the workshop presenters. He talked about some of the important steps to follow when developing a succession plan. Watch the video to find out more.

Business Consultant, Annie Shetler
Michigan Small Business Development Center Business Consultant Annie Shetler was one of the workshop presenters. She talked about the importance of including succession planning in a business plan. Watch the video to find out more.

Farmer, Dave Parsons
Dave Parsons of Parsons Farm in Charlevoix County attended the workshop to learn more about succession planning. He says important considerations for him are taxes, fairness to all his children, and how he can help the next generation on the farm be successful. Watch the video to find out more.

Farm Programs Director, Tom Nelson
Leelanau Conservancy Farm Programs Director Tom Nelson was at the event to talk about how tools like conservation easements, purchase of development rights, and the FarmAbility program can be used as part of a succession plan. Watch the video to find out more.

Agri-Business Specialist, Isaiah Wunsch
Michigan Economic Development Corporation Agri-Business Specialist Isaiah Wunsch was one of the workshop participants. He talked about his family's use of the Purchase of Development Rights program on the Old Mission Peninsula as part of their farm succession plan. Watch the video to find out more.

Johnson Farms
Dean Johnson and his daughter Heather Lyn Johnson Reamer were at the workshop and talked about how the Purchase of Development Rights program has helped their family farm on the Old Mission Peninsula. Watch the video to find out more.

The Networks Northwest team did a great job to help the City of Charlevoix and Charlevoix Township collaborate in addressing housing challenges in our community. They facilitated dialogue with Planning Commissioners, community stakeholders, and municipal officials to develop a plan for cohesive zoning in areas of growth for our two governments. Further, they were able to pinpoint the challenges in each unit and propose changes that would be beneficial all around. Together, we believe we'll be better prepared for housing developments and job growth in our region. We look forward to working with them on future projects!
- Mark Haydlauff, City Manager, Charlevoix