Death and taxes...

We have all heard the phrase, “There are two things in life that are certain, taxes and death.” These things are bound to happen and there is usually little that can be done to prevent these things, so why not plan ahead to make the most of them? It seems easy enough to plan for taxes because the annual tax season conveniently occurs in the same month each year. But how about death? Do you know when death will come a ’knocking? Rather, more importantly, do you know what will happen to your farm after you leave?

Future of the family farm seems like it should be an important topic to address. All too often, you hear of farmland that was lost as children do not carry on their parents’ legacy in farming. If your last wish was that your land would remain farmland, wouldn’t you feel better knowing that it was not up to chance? There are steps that you can take to help preserve your farmland and direct your family farm succession.

What is farmland preservation? As the name implies, farmland preservation is about keeping land in farm use. It preserves the land used to grow our food so that the land will not be lost. Without the land, we will have no place to grow or raise our food.

Why is farmland preservation important? According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, agricultural land is a key part of Ohio’s landscape. It also plays an important role in our economy, with the food and agriculture industry contributing to $124 billion of Ohio’s economy. In 2021, Ohio had 13.5 million acres of land in farm use, according to the National Agriculture Statistics Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. Additionally, the Ohio History Central states that Ashland County is comprised of over 60% farmland. These numbers may seem to be a lot, but they are all essential in producing our food and resources that we need. Because of its vital role in sustaining life, farmland deserves to be protected.

How can farmland be preserved? Farmland can be preserved by using agriculture easements. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) writes, “An agriculture easement is a voluntary agreement between the landowner and ODA that, when placed on land, requires the landowner to perpetually maintain the land predominantly in agriculture use.” It is the responsibility of the landowner to uphold this agreement and the ODA ensures that the landowner holds true to the easement. With the easement comes a deed that specifies how the land should be used and maintained in agriculture use. By using an agriculture easement, one can preserve the farmland by taking legal action to protect how the land can be used.  

There are other ways that your farmland can be preserved, such as preserving it through your own family. Maintaining the family farm business is a way to ensure that your land remains in agricultural use. As long as your business thrives, your farmland will remain preserved. Programs such as Land as Your Legacy through Nationwide offers assistance in helping families transition their farm businesses to the next generation. Your local Farm Bureau will be able to provide more information about this program and the benefits that it offers.

Are you interested in learning more about what an agriculture easement is, what farmland preservation options are available, or how to transition your family farm business to the next generation? We have the event for you! We would love to see you at our July Conservation Chat: Future of the Family Farm. The chat will be on Tuesday, July 11th at 6:00 pm at Loudonville Centerra Co-op. The address is 16570 State Route 3, Loudonville. Judy Kocab from the Ashland Office of Farmland Preservation will be discussing farmland preservation options in Ashland County, along with the application process. Additionally, Eric Brown from Legacy Capital Advisors will also be giving tips and advice on farm business transition planning and how to hold those family discussions.

If you have any questions about the event or would like to register, feel free to reach out to Ruth McCrea or Cora Crilow at (419) 281-7645. You can also register for the event online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conservation-chat-future-of-the-family-farm-tickets-595774436377