Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project (FoxRAP), in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, Renewing the Countryside, and Southwest Counseling, is launching a no-cost pilot program to help aging farmers navigate the technical and emotional complexities of a farm transition. The project, titled Holding Ground, Letting Go: A guided approach to farm transition and legacy supports farmers aged 58+ in east central Wisconsin.
Filling a Critical Gap in Farm Succession Support
Wisconsin faces a significant challenge as agricultural producers age. Many farm owners are approaching retirement age without concrete succession plans. This pilot program aims to create a replicable model that can be implemented across Wisconsin and potentially nationwide.
Farm transition technical assistance is often focused on legal and financial preparation. Our program follows this lead, offering valuable experience from professional service providers while also addressing the overlooked personal, identity-related barriers that can prevent older farmers from successfully transitioning their farms to the next generation. By taking a farmer-oriented approach with personalized support for each participant, successful farm transition outcomes are significantly more likely.
This holistic approach will make the process easier for all parties: farmers, families, and service providers.
Source : wisc.edu