Central Texas Farm Credit’s Post

3 Things You've Already Done for Your Family's Future—and 1 Vital Step You’re Missing 1. You’ve Built a Strong Farm Legacy You’ve worked hard to grow your farm, creating a business that provides for your family and your community. 2. You’ve Invested in the Right Resources You’ve made smart investments to keep your farm running efficiently—equipment, land, and livestock. 3. You’ve Taken Care of Your Family's Day-to-Day Needs You’ve ensured your loved ones have everything they need today, from education to security and stability. But Here’s What You Haven’t Done... 4. You Haven’t Secured a Long-Term Succession Plan Without a comprehensive succession plan, the future of your farm is at risk. Family disputes and financial challenges can arise if your estate isn’t carefully planned. That’s where Mark Westcott and Rural Succession Solutions come in. With his expertise, you can create a clear, customized plan to protect your legacy and ensure a smooth transition for future generations. Don’t leave your farm’s future to chance—book your FREE 30-minute call today! 🌾📞 #SuccessionPlanning #FarmLegacy #ruralestateplanning #ruralsuccessionplanning

📣News Alert! 📣 Check out this latest article in the Fresh from Florida Magazine featuring Smith's Farm! Learn more about our generational impact and how Florida has played a part in our growth and success! ☀️🥦 https://lnkd.in/eJzxWwCp #FreshFromFlorida #SmithsFarm

Arkansas Farmers Markets are competing in American Farmland Trust’s America’s Farmers Market Celebration! 🥕🍅🥦 We need your help in voting for Arkansas’s favorite farmers market at: https://bit.ly/4e06skJ To view Arkansas’s rankings, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gXKFYWwG Winners will even receive cash prizes! The top five markets in the United States that finish in the “People’s Choice” category will receive an award. The breakdown of prize money is as follows: $5,000 for first, $2,500 for second, $1,500 for third, $750 for fourth, $250 for fifth, and $100 for 1st in each state. These funds will be awarded to markets to go towards marketing, communications, and other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact.

As of 2022, 55 percent of Iowa’s farmland is now owned by someone who does not farm. Who owns the land? Family members who inherited the land or investors, neither of whom have ever lived on a farm, and now lease it out to farmers. Given that a full two-thirds of the state’s farmland is now owned by those over 65 (and 37 percent are over 75) it is likely a problem that will only get worse. Much worse. https://lnkd.in/ePbmPr6Z

https://lnkd.in/gnVJHJcf Economic development doesn't always mean pavement. How can we support economic development while also protecting our food and water resources? Here's a great example. "Jennifer Colvin is a fifth-generation rancher in Tenino, and her family’s ranch, Colvin Ranch, has been operating in Southwest Washington for more than 100 years. Supporting local, family farmers, and ranchers is how we invest in rural economies and promote community-minded agriculture practices."

At this week's Board of Commissioners meeting, we approved a resolution allocating approximately $2 million for ag preservation efforts in Lancaster County. These funds are then provided as a match for state ag preserve funds, which last year brought in an additional $2.8 million of ag preservation funds, which we expect to receive about the same this year. Included in the aforementioned funding that we allocate is a $250,000 Challenge Grant to the Lancaster Farmland Trust. This year will mark the 20th year of providing this grant. The Trust uses these funds to attract private funds to match or exceed the County's Grant. Last year the Trust used the Grant to leverage an additional $1.4 million in funds and land value to preserve 6 farms on 353 acres. Meanwhile, the County Ag Preserve Board preserved preserved 20 farms on 1,535 acres. We as a community are committed to protecting some of the best farmland in the world here in Lancaster County. This is shown in the public-private partnership, it shows in the contributions made by Lancastrians, it shows in the land that land owners / farmers preserve and their contribution of value. And it shows in the fact that we continue to be the #1 county in the nation in ag preservation and a leading county in the Commonwealth and nation in ag production.

New from Tim Bupp, Shareholder and Chair of the Estate Planning practice group: Estate Planning for Farm Families Part 3: Economic Tools for the Farm Estate Plan. A good estate plan for a farm family needs to recognize and take advantage of the various tools available for protecting the farm operation and aiding farm family succession. Our Commonwealth has recognized the importance of farming to our communities, and has created a number of beneficial programs that can aid family farmers to continue the farming operation into the next generation. This article describes only a few of those beneficial programs. Continue reading by clicking here https://lnkd.in/eGdq3P33......

Planning ahead: Securing the future of family farms!# Farm succession should be approached with careful planning and transparent conversations. The Spencer vs Spencer case serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls when promises are made without certainty. To find out more read the full article here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/etr75WS8 #winterspotlight #successionplanning #inheritance

If you’re mid-state, be sure to check out the Central Illinois Chapter of the National Young Farmers Coalition.   The group is open to farmers of all ages, as well as chefs, farmer advocates, and aspiring farmers, who are leading the way to create a healthier, more hopeful food system.   The group plans to organize social and learning events for its members, advocate for progressive food systems policy, and collaborate on processing and marketing projects.   You can also find the group on Facebook at https://lnkd.in/gFvr_J-X   And no matter where you are, you can contribute to their Central Illinois Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund. The CIDER Fund was created for farmers in Central Illinois who are experiencing acute and unexpected crises on their farms or in their homes and are in need of quick relief.   The Agroecology + Innovation Matters initiative cheers all efforts to make the farm community more resilient.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/gkyabFCm   #AIMillinois #TakeAIM #conservation #illinoisagriculture #sustainablefarming #regenerativeagriculture #regenerativefarming #regenerativefarm #agvocacy #agriculture #farmer #illinois #farmersofillinois #sustainability #covercrops #soilhealth #farming #farm #agriculturelife #conservationchampions

Check out our new video. If you've been wondering what Patterson Farms is all about - come visit! In the meantime, watch the video. https://lnkd.in/e2MuZ2Dq