Secure Your Farm’s Future: Eastern NC Farm Succession School

(Updated: Jan. 30, 2025, 11:05 a.m.)
Eastern North Carolina farmers and farm families are invited to participate in the NC Farm Succession School, a full-day workshop designed to help you plan for your farm’s future. With more than half of North Carolina’s farmers now over the age of 65, and USDA projections showing nearly 70% of farmland will change ownership within the next 20 years, farm succession planning is more critical than ever.

Transitioning a farm estate can feel daunting. Many farmers don’t know how or where to begin, and as a result, never start. Research shows that nearly 60% of farmers lack even a basic will. Unfortunately, this lack of planning can leave farms vulnerable during probate. For example, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 70% of people aged 65 or older will require long-term care—costs that can range from $5,000 to $10,000 per month. Without proper estate planning, farms may be at risk of being liquidated to cover such expenses.

The NC Farm Succession School is here to help. This workshop, offered by NC State Extension, will cover key aspects of farm transitions, including:
  • Family communication strategies
  • Long-term care planning
  • Conservation easements
  • Estate planning essentials
Participants will gain practical tools and expert guidance to safeguard their farm’s legacy and ensure a smooth transfer to the next generation.

Workshop Details


Date:         March 6, 2025 Time:        9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Location:  Lenoir County Extension Center, 1791 NC-11, Kinston, NC 28504 Cost:         $25 (includes lunch) Register:go.ncsu.edu/farmlegacyeast

Don’t let the complexities of farm succession put your family’s future at risk. Join us to ensure your farm remains a thriving part of North Carolina’s agricultural heritage for generations to come.

Child on an adult's shoulders in a cornfield; text "EASTERN NC FARM SUCCESSION SCHOOL" March 6, 2025