NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — One of the biggest threats to farm succession is the federal estate, or “death,” tax. Without recent changes, many family operations — like renowned California rancher Kevin Kester’s Bear Valley Ranch — would have faced significant tax burdens when passing land and equipment to the next generation.
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act, which passed in July, permanently increased the unified credit to $15 million per individual beginning in 2026, indexed to inflation. That compares with approximately $7 million under the prior law, a level that could have compelled many farm families to sell assets to pay their tax bills.
National Agricultural Law Center senior staff attorney Rusty Rumley says the higher credit and portability provisions for married couples mean most farms will avoid immediate estate tax exposure. Still, he warns that succession planning remains a larger concern. Sudden illness or death of a farm operator can leave successors unprepared, and a lack of planning can fracture families or force financial hardship.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Estate tax relief reduces pressure, but succession planning remains the critical challenge for farm families.
Thousands of pork producers from around the globe gathered in Des Moines, Iowa, this week for the World Pork Expo to showcase the latest production innovations and learn about market trends in the industry.
Mike Vanmaanen, president of the Livestock Marketing Association, joins us Friday on the Market Day Report for a closer look at the Heritage Act.
Nationwide Agribusiness joins us in honor of National Safety Month, sharing some steps employers and workers can take to stay protected on the farm.
Keeping a close eye on Capitol Hill, farmers and ranchers wait with bated breath as President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” heads to the Senate. AFBF economist Danny Munch joins us for a closer look.
So, what’s the path forward for “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill” tax legislation? That’s the topic of today’s
Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV legal and tax expert Roger McEowen with Kansas’ Washburn School of Law.
Today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV legal and tax expert Roger McEowen provides a brief summary of the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill.” If passed in its current form, the legislation would represent the largest tax cuts in history.
