Succession Planning

Angie Day • March 8, 2026

Succession Planning

One of the most challenging pieces of farm ownership is succession planning.  Not only does it come with a variety of legal and tax implications, but it requires emotional discussions as well. 


Family Dynamics

Depending on the openness of family members, it may feel nearly impossible to have the conversations necessary for successful transitions.  If an elder in the family finds their fulfillment in management of the farm, a younger generation may not ever have the opportunity to learn management skills.  If siblings who are not actively involved in farm management are partial owners, the farm management may be affected by financial circumstances out of their control.


Outside the Family

And what about the farm owners who don't have a next generation interested in maintaining a farm?  How do they value the farm as a production farm and an agritourism venue?  Is it possible to find a buyer - and if so, where?


Help is Available

Nearly every year, NAFDMA has some educational focus on succession planning.  As a member of a farm family who has seen first-hand the challenges of succession planning (or lack thereof) and succession communication (or the lack thereof), I know how critical it is for everyone affected by a potential ownership change, family death, or management change to all share in the communications.  Many of our previous educational sessions on this topic have been recorded and are available in our Members-Only Education Center.  If you have had these conversations, please take the time now to circle back and ensure everyone is on the same page.  If you haven't had these conversations, please start today.  And reach out to NAFDMA staff if you will need someone to help you along the journey.  We have been part of connecting with amazing facilitators along the way, who can help with any situation you may face.

RECENT ARTICLES

By Angie Day March 26, 2026
Every agritourism operation relies on partners. From the tools you use to run your business, to the products you sell, to the experiences you create for your guests—behind every decision is a vendor, a supplier, or a service provider. But finding the right partners? That’s not always easy. That’s why NAFDMA has built something incredibly valuable for its members: a curated network of trusted partners —paired with exclusive savings. A Network You Can Trust Not all vendors understand agritourism. And that matters. NAFDMA partners are not random listings—they’re businesses that have chosen to invest in this industry and support farms like yours. Many are already working with agritourism operations, which means they understand: Seasonal demands and peak traffic Guest experience expectations Operational challenges unique to farms The importance of safety, durability, and efficiency Instead of starting from zero, you’re starting with vendors who already understand your world. Savings That Go Beyond the Surface Yes—there are discounts. But this benefit is about more than just a lower price. Through NAFDMA’s partner network and savings programs, members can access reduced pricing on a wide range of business needs—and even personal expenses. It can include things like: Business supplies and equipment Marketing tools and services Travel and lodging Fuel and everyday operational costs In fact, collective buying programs connected to NAFDMA have helped members save significantly on everyday purchases—sometimes averaging notable cost reductions across multiple vendors. It’s not just a perk—it’s a strategy for running a more efficient business. Better Decisions, Less Guesswork Choosing a vendor can feel like trial and error. Will they deliver on time? Will their product hold up? Will it actually work for your farm? With NAFDMA partners, you’re not making those decisions alone. You’re backed by: A network of members who have worked with these vendors Industry familiarity that reduces miscommunication Proven solutions already being used on farms It turns vendor selection from a gamble into a more confident, informed decision. Built-In Opportunities You Might Not Expect Some of the biggest value comes from opportunities for which you might not even be looking. Through NAFDMA partnerships, members can access things like: Special deals tied to industry markets and events Cost-saving opportunities when attending wholesale shows Connections to new product lines that increase retail revenue For example, NAFDMA has coordinated benefits like reduced travel costs and perks at wholesale markets—helping farms discover new products while lowering the cost of attending. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about unlocking new revenue opportunities. A Smarter Way to Grow At the end of the day, every dollar you save—and every smart partnership you make—has an impact on your farm. NAFDMA’s partner network helps you: Spend more strategically Find vendors faster Reduce risk in your decisions Discover new ideas and products Because growth isn’t just about what you add. It’s about how wisely you choose what supports your business. Ready to connect with partners who understand your farm—and help you run it more efficiently? Explore NAFDMA membership and start taking advantage of exclusive partner benefits . Visit NAFDMA.com to learn more.
By angie March 21, 2026
At Gardner Pie , we know that great pie programs start with the classics—but real growth comes from keeping things fresh, exciting, and impossible to resist. A strong daily lineup should always include customer favorites like Apple, Cherry, Blueberry, Peach, and Strawberry Rhubarb. These tried-and-true flavors build consistency and trust with your customers. As the seasons change, so should your offerings. Adding fall favorites like Pumpkin, Pecan, and Sweet Potato creates timely excitement and taps into seasonal cravings that drive sales. But if you really want to boost repeat visits and increase impulse purchases, consider introducing a Pie of the Week or Month . This strategy gives your customers a reason to return again and again—eager to see what’s new. At Gardner Pie, we’re known for our commitment to Quality, Variety, and Innovation , and our unique flavor combinations help set retailers apart. Specialty options like: Churro Apple Dark Chocolate Cherry Blueberry Lemon Buckle Pineapple Upside Down Very Berry …add a sense of discovery to your display and turn everyday shoppers into loyal fans. Rotating these specialty pies keeps your bakery case dynamic and engaging—encouraging customers to try something new each visit. Built on Tradition, Crafted for Today Gardner Pie is a third-generation, family-owned company dedicated to producing high-quality fruit pies with a true homemade feel. We use only whole fruit and fresh apples, combined with tapioca starch, sugar, and carefully selected spices. Our signature crust is made in small batches to ensure the perfect flaky texture and rich, homemade flavor. From classic lattice to unique top crust designs, every pie is crafted to look just as good as it tastes. Ready to Refresh Your Pie Program? Bring more variety, excitement, and repeat traffic to your store with Gardner Pie. Visit: www.gardnerpie.com to learn more.
By angie March 16, 2026
Across agritourism, farms are discovering that one of the most powerful experiences they can offer guests isn’t just pumpkins, corn mazes, or fall treats — it’s story .