Chico State Enterprises

Over 90% of U.s. Farms Are Classified as Family Farms and They Account for More Than 80% of Agricultural Production. Unfortunately, It Is Often Stated That Only 30% of Family Farms Survive the Transition to the Second Generation and Only 10% Make It to the Third. While Family Farms Play a Significant Role in the Economic Development of Rural Communities, They Are Often Ill Prepared for Succession Planning and Are Not Successfully Passed Along to the Next Generation. This Integrated, Education and Outreach/extension, Project Is Designed to Address This Issue Head on and Is Well Aligned With the Usda Strategic Goal to Facilitate Rural Prosperity and Economic Development. the Overall Purpose of This Project Is to Train Future and Current Farm Managers With the Skills Necessary to Become More Financially Resilient as It Relates to Succession Planning. This Goal Will Be Achieved by Developing a New Learning Module to Demonstrate How Family Farm Businesses Can Become Better Prepared for Succession Planning. This Innovative, Multidisciplinary, Learning Module Will Be Integrated Into Upper Division Courses in the Agricultural Business and Animal Science Programs at Multiple Institutions. These Materials Will Also Be Used to Develop a New Online and In-person Outreach/extension Program for Local Farmers and Ranchers. Both Students and Producers Will Be Trained With the Critical Tools That Are Needed for Succession Management Decisions. by Institutionalizing the New Coursework Materials Into the Curriculum, the Project Will Have Long-term Impacts on Educational Capacity.