New Program Eases Farm Succession for Kentucky Growers

By Blake Jackson

The Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation and the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD) have introduced KCARD’s new Kentucky AgriLegacy Solutions Program, an initiative focused on helping farm families across the state manage the complex process of farm transition.

“Since the beginning of the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative, a Network of partner organizations was formed to tackle issues as a unified voice for rural Kentucky,” said Renee Carrico, Kentucky Farm Bureau Commodity Division Director.

“As a KFTI Network member, KCARD has always been an integral part of the conversations, and the new AgriLegacy Solutions Program is a great example of what true collaboration can accomplish. We are excited to see this program launch.”

The AgriLegacy Solutions Program provides succession planning support tailored to each family’s unique situation. KCARD assists families in starting early, productive conversations about the future, identifying long-term goals, clarifying generational roles, and crafting a well-structured transition plan.

The program also helps families prepare essential documents and gather key information before meeting with attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors, ensuring that professional consultations are more effective and cost-efficient.

This initiative is supported through funding from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “At KCARD, we continuously evolve our services to support Kentucky farm families where they need it most," said Brent Lackey, KCARD Executive Director. "This program represents our commitment to helping producers navigate the future with confidence and strengthen the long-term vitality of Kentucky agriculture.”

The program builds on the work of the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI), launched by Kentucky Farm Bureau in 2024 to help preserve farmland and keep it in the hands of active producers. Through KFTI, a network of 28 partner organizations was formed to collaborate on maintaining agricultural land and supporting farm families statewide.

For more than twenty years, KCARD has provided guidance in agricultural and rural business development, offering expertise in farm operations, family business planning, and agricultural business structures.

Representatives from KCARD will share information about the new program during the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting, scheduled for Dec. 3-6 in Louisville. A dedicated session, “Deciding What to Do with Your Farm and Estate: Q&A Session with Experts,” will take place on Dec. 4.

To learn more, email kasp@kcard.info, visit www.kcard.info, or call 859-550-3972.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-lishanskyphotography