Conferences
Nebraska Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: Beginning, Managing, and Transitioning
Jessica Groskopf, Anastasia Meyer, and Shannon Sand
Summary
This presentation will highlight the successes and challenges of this 2024 NCERMEC-funded project. The project addressed human risk factors for 557 participants, with a focus family well-being and labor management/retention. The project employed multiple delivery methods to reach diverse audiences at different stages of the farm and ranch transition process.
The centerpiece of the program was a series of seven three-hour, in-person workshops for beginning farmers and ranchers, offered in partnership with colleges and universities. These sessions engaged 285 participants, with an additional 22 individuals reached through a virtual offering (307 total). Workshops emphasized improving family communication, supporting new generations in defining their roles within the operation, and strengthening labor management and retention within family-run businesses. To extend this learning, a complementary webinar series delivered five one-hour sessions to 176 participants.
Grant funds also supported “Returning to the Farm,” a two-day intensive in-person program supplemented with two virtual sessions. This program served 15 college students and family members as they explored transition and succession issues, family expectations, and labor needs on multi-generational operations.
Finally, the project strengthened Nebraska’s Land Link program by supporting 59 new applications from land seekers and retiring landowners without heirs. Applicants completed a structured vetting process and once matched, received individualized coaching and follow-up support to facilitate productive transition conversations.
Collectively, these efforts advanced family-based farm and ranch transition conversations, enhanced labor and retention strategies, and supported the next generation of agricultural producers.
Details
| Conference | 2026 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference |
| Presentation Type | 30-Minute Concurrent |