Helping Farm Families Mitigate Transition and Estate Risk through OFRS and FARMS
Agricultural Economics & Community Development
David Marrison
Professor
The Ohio State University
Coshocton
Abstract
Ohio is home to over 76,000 farms and 13 million acres of farmland, with farm transition to the next generation being one of the most significant challenges to the long-term viability of these operations. To help mitigate this risk, two major initiatives were launched in 2023. The first is the Ohio Farm Resolution Services (OFRS), established to address the conflicts impacting Ohio's farms and farm families. Funded by the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Certified Mediation Program, OFRS develops educational materials and offers conflict resolution services through Ohio State University Extension’s legal and farm management specialists, alongside formal mediation options. Since its inception in October 2023, OFRS has conducted 56 consultations, with 77% addressing farm transition issues. The second initiative, the Farm and Resource Management Spreadsheet (FARMS), was developed to assist farmers in planning for farm transitions and estate management. Launched in December 2024 after its creation in 2023-2024, FARMS enables farmers to collect crucial information for transition and estate planning. A key feature of FARMS is its ability to help producers develop accurate net worth statements, which are vital for asset distribution planning. To date, 578 individuals have participated in introductory sessions on FARMS, and 57 farmers and professionals have completed intensive training on its use. This presentation will provide an overview of the OFRS and FARMS initiatives, demonstrating how these tools help farmers navigate the complex transition process. It will also explore how these risk management strategies could be adapted and implemented in other states to support farm families in their succession planning efforts.
Authors: David Marrison, Robert Moore, Peggy Hall, Jeff Lewis
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David Marrison Professor & Field Specialist- Farm Management, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 43812
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Robert Moore Attorney/Research Specialist , OSU Agricultural & Resource Law Program Director, Ohio Farm Resolution Services (OFRS), The Ohio State University, Ohio, 43015
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Peggy Hall Attorney and Director, OSU Agricultural & Resource Law Program, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 43040
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Jeff Lewis Attorney and OSU Program Coordinator, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 43210