Typically, farm transfer requires addressing multiple legal issues and producing one or more legal documents. Business structures may need to be created or revised to facilitate the transfer. The resources gathered here will help farm families and professional advisers better prepare for their work together.
A manual outlining a process for the transition of a farm business to the succeeding generation; intended for vocational agriculture teachers, community college instructors, extension staff who work with new farmers, and people who wish to transfer a farming operation to another person
John R. Baker
Beginning Farmer Center
Iowa State University
1996, 200 pages
$85
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/bfc/publications-and-webinars
Contact Iowa Beginning Farmer Center
A concise matrix outlining what to do and when to do it.
Beth Kennett, Bob Parsons, and Jesse J. Richardson, Jr.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Extension Service
2 pages
Available online
Creating a Limited Liability Company
From “A Legal Guide to the Business of Farming in Vermont” (p. 25)
Questions for farm families who are creating or revising business arrangements
Jesse J. Richardson, Jr.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Extension Service
3 pages
A comprehensive guide that includes an examination of “non-ownership” tenure such as rental agreements, long-term leasing, and other arrangements; includes sample agreements, worksheets, and other resources.
Annette Higby, Kathryn Z. Ruhf, and Andrea Woloschuk
The New England Small Farm Institute
2004, 162 pages
Order online ($22 includes s/h)
A guide for entering and exiting farmers; includes worksheets; not limited to New England farm operators.
Kathryn Z. Ruhf
The New England Small Farm Institute
1999, 124 pages
Order online ($12 includes s/h)
A comprehensive, friendly guide for farmers everywhere; includes farm business arrangements as well as family, financial, and legal considerations.
Jeanne M. Meier and Gwen Garvey
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
2003, 90 pages