Farm Succession Planning Made Easier for Ranch Families
Farm succession planning is one of the most important conversations a farming or ranching family can have, yet it often gets delayed or never happens at all. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association announced on July 20, 2026, from Centennial, Colorado, a new free resource designed to help families start that difficult discussion. The online learning module walks families through each step of transition and helps them build a plan that fits their own operation.
Because these conversations touch on family, money, and the future, they can feel uncomfortable to begin. However, NCBA leaders say the time to plan is now.
Why Farm Succession Planning Matters Now
NCBA President Gene Copenhaver knows the challenge firsthand. He has walked through transition talks with his own children, and he has watched others struggle to find the right words.
“I’ve been through transition discussions with my kids, and I know it’s not comfortable,” Copenhaver said. “As a former ag lender, I’ve also seen my community struggle with these conversations. I hope resources like this make it easier for cattle producers across the country to secure the future of their farms and ranches.”
For many families, the ranch is more than a business. It is a lifetime of work and a legacy meant to be passed on. Therefore, planning ahead protects both the operation and the people who love it.
Expert Advice on Building a Succession Plan
Professor Shannon Ferrell of Oklahoma State University specializes in estate planning. He has spoken to thousands of producers about this topic, and he stresses that planning reduces stress and keeps a business running when a family member passes.
“You owe it to your loved ones to have the courage to tackle this challenge by creating a succession plan,” Ferrell said. “If you don’t plan now, you may end up leaving your family with a burden instead of a gift.”
Ferrell puts it plainly. “A failure to plan is a plan to fail,” he said. He reminds producers that every operation eventually goes through a transition, either when someone dies or at a time of their choosing. Consequently, it is far better to be proactive and have a structure in place.
How the Learning Module Works
The new tool serves as a starting point for cattlemen and women who want to pass on ownership and continue a hard-earned legacy. While the conversations may be difficult, NCBA notes they are easier than the alternative of being unprepared.
The Succession Planning Learning Module includes a workbook and is available for free. Families simply create an account to begin. Additionally, the module supports each step of the process, so no one has to figure it out alone.
The material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2024-70027-42471. NCBA has also gathered additional support, including a recorded Cattlemen’s College session, a Cattlemen’s Webinar Series event, and a recent Cattlemen’s Call podcast focused on this topic.
What Ranch Families Should Watch Next
Farm succession planning helps families protect their operations, reduce conflict, and honor the work of generations past. Because transition is inevitable, taking action early gives families peace of mind and a clear path forward.
NCBA, which has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, continues to expand education and public policy efforts on behalf of the industry. As a result, producers can expect more tools and resources aimed at strengthening family operations. For families still putting off the conversation, this new module offers a gentle, practical place to begin.
Readers can create a free account to access the Succession Planning Learning Module and workbook at cultivate.vivayic.com, or email help@cattlelearningcenter.org for assistance.