By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University Extension continues to support farm and ranch families through its Sustaining the Legacy conference series. These conferences focus on long term planning that helps families prepare for farm transition, retirement, and asset distribution.
The next conference takes place at the SDSU Extension Aberdeen Regional Center on February 3, 10, and 17, 2026. The final conference is scheduled in Watertown on March 3, 10, and 17, 2026. Early registration costs $70 per person up to two weeks before each conference. After that, the cost increases to eighty dollars. Registration is required at the SDSU Extension Events page and search “legacy”.
The conference teaches three important planning areas for farms and ranches. These include estate plans, succession plans, and retirement plans. Heather Gessner, SDSU Extension interim Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Director and Livestock Business Management Field Specialist, explains that many families focus only on estate plans, but all three plans are needed for full protection.
"In plan creation, three components need to be looked at: first, the transition to the next generation whether they are farming or not; second, a retirement plan, even if you plan to 'die in the tractor seat'; and third, the estate plan for the distribution of all your assets at your death. That's a lot when you sit down and think about it," Gessner said.
When these plans are created together, families can improve stability, protect land, and avoid forced land sales for care expenses. The program also supports family harmony through clear communication and shared goals.
Participants learn about job duty changes, income sharing, retirement housing needs, and health care planning. They also receive guidance on trusts, business structures, life insurance, wills, contracts, and retirement benefits such as Medicare and Social Security.
"The saying of death and taxes being the only two constants in life is pretty accurate. So, we need to acknowledge that we all face the ultimate reality of death and approach the issue of taxes to mitigate their impact on the farm transition,” Gessner said.
Industry experts and farm transition attorneys lead the sessions. The program serves families at all planning stages. For more information, contact Heather Gessner by email Heather.Gessner@sdstate.edu, SDSU Extension Interim Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Director and Livestock Business Management Field Specialist.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Business, Rural Lifestyle