Relevant

West Chester: Decisions involved in the process of planning for the succession of a farm business from one generation to the next or from one owner to another are among the most critical set of decisions that a farm manager can make in his or her lifetime. Issues such as planning for the transfer of business decision making responsibilities, managing the impacts of estate, inheritance and capital gains taxes, and deciding how to divide farm assets among multiple heirs can be difficult for most farm managers to work through. The ability of a farm to continue through the generations depends, in part, on the development and implementation of a sound and detailed farm succession plan. Click here for a downloadable copy of the brochure.

Penn State Cooperative Extension in Chester County will conduct a workshop for farm families in the region who wish to learn more about how they can successfully accomplish their goals related to farm business succession. The instructors for this workshop are individuals who are familiar with the legal issues, tax consequences, family concerns and farm profitability issues that farm families in Southeastern Pennsylvania must consider every day.

The workshop will be held in three locations in Lancaster, Berks and Chester Counties during January 2009. Participants should choose the date or location that is most convenient to them. The workshops will be held on the following dates and locations:

• January 7, 2010: Cabela's Retail Store, Hamburg, PA
• January 12, 2010: East Brandywine Fire Hall, Guthriesville, PA
• January 14, 2010: Lancaster Farm and Home Center, Lancaster, PA

A fee will be charged to help offset the costs meals and program materials. Pre-registration for these workshops is required. For more information or for registration information, please contact Keith Dickinson, Agricultural Business Management Educator by calling (610) 696-3500 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at (610) 696-3500 in advance of your participation or visit. Penn State Cooperative Extension programs are open to all regardless of their ability to pay. Please contact us if you require reduced or waiver of fees to attend this educational program.

Harrisburg:  In an article entitled "Milking It" that was published in the November 27, 2009 edition of the Central Penn Business Journal, John Frey of the PA Center for Dairy Excellence outlined the development of a new task force to explore ways to increase demand for dairy products by finding new markets and developing new products.  Dairy products contribute millions of dollars each year to the Pennsylvania agriculture economy.  Click here to see the article.

Frey commented that the process is just beginning and that there is room at the table for other parties.  Contact him at 717-346-0849 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  if you are interested in serving.