Succession planning workshops propel family farms towards success
A changing global economy requires new succession plan strategies
Washington County farmers make the world go round. According to the 2022 USDA Agricultural Census, Washington County ranks 8th in Oregon for the market value of agricultural products sold at over $326 million. Of the top 20 commodities produced in Oregon, almost all are grown right here. Despite our strengths, a nation-wide crisis is happening locally, too. Over the next 2 decades over 10 million acres, or 64% of Oregon’s agricultural land will change owners. Like in any other industry, business planning and organization are essential to succession planning for a family business. So the fact that 84 percent of Oregon farms are sole proprietorships suggests that the vast majority of Oregon farmers may not have created succession plans to smoothly transfer their businesses and assets to the next generation.
A shifting economy, changing social norms where children pick other careers, and the stress of identifying and preparing a successor, all make the process of creating a succession plan that much more daunting. Previous generations of farmers typically relied on at least one their children to take over the family business. Many aging farmers and rural land owners do not have this option and are needing to line up a successor, possibly with someone from outside the family.
This new phenomenon requires new social networks, systems of support, and critical skills. Without it, the future of Washington County’s agriculture is at stake.
These challenges inspired Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District to offer two free half-day workshops to support local farmers in their succession planning journey.
Navigating farm succession plans—together
Some retiring farmers are already working with their successors to prepare them to run the business or tend the land after they retire. For these retiring farmers and their families, Tualatin SWCD teamed up with Oregon Agricultural Trust (OAT) to host their Navigating Farm Succession programming.
One chilly January morning, farmers enjoyed a cup of coffee, connected with one another, and took notes during the two presentations. OAT’s Ag Business Support Program Director Andrea Krahmer, and the Farm & Ranch Succession Advisor and Associate Director of Ag Business Support, Tess Baker, presented first. They shared a few real-life stories about Oregonian farmers navigating succession planning. Maria Schmidlkofer, an attorney who works with farmers throughout the Willamette Valley on estate planning and farm business succession planning, closed the workshop.
To help farming families build the momentum behind their succession planning process, we offered workshop attendees one hour of free 1-on-1 consultation with succession planning expert, Tess Baker. She helps farmers of all generations develop custom succession plans and find solutions to tough situations.
So far, Baker has facilitated nine advising sessions for farming families who attended the workshop. “Overall, the event had an excellent turnout, followed by excellent engagement on the advising side,” says Baker. “Most folks that I have talked to have explored some amount of succession planning, but all share a motivation to really get things ironed out and their operations in order for transition.”
Succession planning is just one daunting process that these farmers face. Baker adds, “As the transition generally requires capital above and beyond what is needed to sustain operations… the volatility of their commodities right now is certainly a concern on everyone’s mind.” She anticipates continuing to advise at least two of these families to further develop their succession plans.
Strengthening the network between rural community members
In March 2026, Tualatin SWCD teamed up with Oregon Farm Corps (OFC) to offer their Changing Hands Land Connection Workshop. This was their first time offering the workshop in Washington County. This workshop connects landowners who want to lease or sell their land or business with farmers who are looking for land.
Geoffrey Van is the OFC’s Director of the Future Farms Program. Over the last five years he has developed this workshop. All his hard work and creativity means the workshop was a deeply educational and morale-boosting event.
Van shared, “Oregon Farm Corps was proud to partner with Tualatin SWCD to bring our Changing Hands Land Connections Workshops to Washington County. The primary goal was connecting landholders and landseekers. However, we found that simply gathering rural community members together was valuable in its own right.”
Over the course of the evening, over twenty community members worked on their elevator pitches for what they were looking for in a land partnership. They also worked to articulate what they could bring to the table. During the second half of the workshop, participants practiced giving the pitch to the others in the room! Participants were a little nervous at first. However, the room was soon abuzz with passionate statements, building confidence, and at times, tables of farmers bursting into laughter. Dinner was shared by all, thanks to Oasis Lebanese Catering.
After the workshop, Geoffrey shared a short survey with the room, and over 80% of participants responded. He shared, “Ninety-four percent of participants left feeling better prepared, and seventy percent planned to follow up with someone they met. Most importantly, everyone ate, laughed, and had a great time.”
“Geoffrey was an excellent and vibrant facilitator,” one participant wrote. “His presentations gave us the background (why and wherefore) to share so that we can effectively connect [with other farmers] in the future.” Another shared that they “made good connections with other people who empathize with our experience. I refined my ideas about what I am seeking and will be better prepared for future.”
Tualatin SWCD, Oregon Agricultural Trust, and Oregon Farm Corps all strive towards similar goals. All three organizations seek to support farmland preservation, strengthen farmer and rancher networks, and invest in resources to bolster agricultural viability in Washington County and throughout Oregon. These two workshops fueled a boost of momentum in the succession planning process for Washington County farmers and their families.
Learn more about succession planning
Succession Planning Videos & Worksheets
For Farmers, Ranchers, and Foresters from Tualatin SWCD, East Multnomah SWCD, and Clackamas SWCD
This video series covers different models of succession plan models for agricultural business owners in northwest Oregon. Find directions and identify your goals for the future of your agricultural business. Learn how to build a team of experts and loved ones to help make this transition a success. Use the accompanying worksheets to plan your next moves!
Ties to the Land from Oregon State University Extension Service
Plan the future of your land, livelihood, and loved ones. Ties to the Land seeks to assist farmers, ranchers, growers, and forest landowners. Created by Oregon State University Extension Service.
Stories for the Field from Oregon Agricultural Trust
Watch real-life stories and perspectives from Oregon farmers and ranchers in this seven-part series of short films. These films also share insights from service providers including an accountant, an attorney, an appraiser, a land trust, a 1031 facilitator, and a lender.
‘Transferring a Farm’ Resources from Land for Good
This workbook was developed by Land For Good in collaboration with other farm succession advisors and farmers who have gone through succession planning. It is meant to get you, your family, and your advisors started on your succession planning path.
Not a farmer but interested in agricultural viability?
Support farmland preservation
Washington County is a hot spot for changing land use policies.;/;/* Stay up to date on local water, land, and natural resource news. Our partners Oregon Agricultural Trust, 1000 Friends of Oregon are great hubs of information and action on the topic.
Shop local
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Take action to support our local agricultural community and economy. Every visit and purchase make a big difference.
Check out Tualatin SWCD’s Food & Farms webpage or this Farms & Markets Guide from Explore Tualatin Valley.
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