Agricultural Economics, Department of
Date of this Version
6-25-2025
Document Type
Article
Citation
Groskopf, J. “Navigating Farm Succession Without a Family Heir: Everyone Needs These Documents,” CAP Series 25-0602, Center for Agricultural Profitability, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, June 25, 2025. DOI: 10.32873/unl.dc.cap069.
Abstract
In my work with agricultural families, I’m seeing a growing and difficult reality: many farms and ranches today don’t have a successor within the family. While this absence can simplify parts of estate planning, it often creates deeper, more emotional challenges, especially when legacy and identity are tied to the land.
This article is the fourth in a series supporting farm and ranch owners facing this transition. If you're just joining, I recommend reading the earlier pieces for a valuable background. You can find them at cap.unl.edu.