STATE — In Maine, senior farmers aged 65 or older operate about 30% of the state’s farms. This farmland will transfer ownership in the next decade in one way or another. As farmers dig into winter and farm planning, many senior farmers are turning for help with succession and transfer planning to the Farm Succession School coming to Augusta.

With a goal to keep farmland in farming, the unique Farm Succession School, designed by Land For Good and presented with other agricultural professionals, provides a curriculum designed to walk farmers through the succession planning process. Nearly 100 farms across New England have participated in the Farm Succession School since its inception in 2016.

Farmers receive guidance through the many aspects of planning, clarify vision and goals, and get the next steps on paper. There is homework and assistance available between sessions. Each session includes time to share and learn from other farmers in transition. Farmers will leave with exercises for envisioning the future of the farm, clear next steps, and documents to provide for a smooth transition. This three-day intensive course will meet on Wednesdays, Jan. 29, Feb. 26, and March 19 at the Maine Farm Bureau Office, 4 Gabriel Drive, Augusta. For farmers who prefer to meet online, a virtual session of the school begins on Feb. 4. Registration is required for both schools.

“I got so much from the program, both in information and connections,” shared a participant. “The format was a well-balanced mix of instruction, homework, and participation. I hope I can translate at least part of what I learned into the reality of our family farm’s future. I’d recommend the training to anyone with a family farm!”

Presenters include Land For Good staff, plus a business planner, attorney, and mediation/ communication professional. The fee is $100 per farm, including all materials and support between classes.

Register for the Farm Succession School by Jan. 20th or until the course is filled. For more information or to register, call (603)357-1600 or go to landforgood.org/farm-succession-school. Land For Good also offers one-on-one advising to Massachusetts farmers. Get help to start, continue, or complete a farm succession plan or farm transfer.

Support comes from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program.