AFT: 300 Million Acres of U.S. Agricultural Land Expected to Change Hands in Coming Decades

Jerry Cosgrove with American Farmland Trust explains why farmers and ranchers should start their estate planning now.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Nearly 300 million acres of U.S. agricultural land are projected to change hands in the coming decades, raising major questions about succession, stability, and the long-term future of rural communities.

American Farmland Trust (AFT) is ramping up efforts to support producers through this transition, helping families navigate the often-complex process of transferring farms and ranches to the next generation. Jerry Cosgrove, AFT’s Farm Legacy Director and Senior Advisor, joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss why land transfer is such a critical issue.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Cosgrove highlighted the need for thoughtful planning to maintain productive farmland, protect family operations, and ensure younger producers have opportunities to enter the industry. He also outlined AFT’s work to assist farmers and ranchers in preparing for generational transfer—from providing resources and technical support to helping families map out long-term goals.

Cosgrove emphasized the importance of getting a jump-start on estate planning and encouraged landowners to begin considering their options, documenting their wishes, and engaging family members in open conversations about succession.

Related Stories
Tidal Grow’s AlignN delivers encapsulated nitrogen to leaves, boosting in-season response, yield gains, and farm profits.
Katie Keener with the National Women in Agriculture Association joins us to celebrate women in agriculture and spotlight programs and initiatives aimed at empowering female producers across the country.
Nationwide’s Elizabeth Duncan and Traci Via with Agriculture Future of America highlight the impact of women in agriculture and how mentorship and partnerships empower future farmers and ranchers.
UNL student fellow Alison Walbrecht shares her perspective on building support for agricultural research, extension, and teaching while gaining hands-on insight into federal policymaking.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains how geopolitical developments in the Middle East can create energy-driven pressures that impact the supply chain and reshape demand for certain ag products.
National Pork Producers Council incoming president Rob Brenneman shares insights from the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, where producers gathered to discuss Farm Bill policy, sustainability, and other priorities for the year ahead.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman “GT” Thompson is pushing a “Farm Bill 2.0.”
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us with important insights on drug safety and rural health during the winter months.
Quinn Rutt of Upstream Ranch previews the Nebraska cattle operation’s 49th Annual Production Sale where buyers can expect standout sire groups and a blend of long-standing ranch practices with modern genetic selection.
Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, provides new updates on winter storm impacts and the outlook for rural power reliability.
Jessi Grote from the AgriSafe Network provides winter safety guidance for rural communities still recovering from the recent winter storm.