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.
March 27, 2025 09:35 AM
·
RFD-TV agricultural law and taxation expert Roger McEowen discusses issues concerning farmers and ranchers, such as trade vs. business, income tax basis, croppers, and like-kind exchanges.
March 23, 2025 11:31 AM
·
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) appointed Dr. Jaye L. Hamby as the new Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
March 21, 2025 04:07 PM
·
March 18, 2025 02:01 PM
·
In a call with reporters on Tuesday, RFD-TV News reporter Lily Raby asked Senate Ag Committee member Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for his opinion on Des Moines school leaders’ decisions to halt ag education programs, which also threatens the future of the city’s FFA chapter.
March 18, 2025 11:40 AM
·
In his latest Firm to Farm blog post, Roger McEowen discusses the new EPA/COE clarifications concerning WOTUS. The new measures have important implications for farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners.
March 17, 2025 01:02 PM
·
March 17, 2025 12:43 PM
·
Trinity Barth and Liliann Tjaden-Duff joined us on Market Day Report to express their concerns about the future of the program that has, for 50 years, given students of all backgrounds a path to agriculture careers.
March 14, 2025 01:14 PM
·
Agricultural irrigation return flow exemption and “Maui factors” are the topics of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV ag tax and legal expert Roger McEowen with Kansas’ Washburn School of Law.
March 14, 2025 12:46 PM
·
