As North Carolina continues to lose farmland to development and faces a wave of retiring farmers, agricultural families across the Piedmont region are being encouraged to plan ahead for the future of their land. According to the American Farmland Trust, North Carolina ranks No. 2 in the nation for projected farmland loss and could lose about 1.2 million acres of farmland by 2040 if current trends continue, with the state already losing an estimated 55 acres of farmland every day.
To help address this growing challenge, farmers and landowners will have the opportunity to learn how to protect their farms and ensure a successful transition to the next generation at the upcoming NC Farm Succession School, scheduled for March 31, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Frank Liske Park in Concord, North Carolina.
Coordinated by NC FarmLink, the event is designed to help farm families navigate the often complex process of planning for the future of their agricultural operations. Participants will gain practical tools and guidance to help secure their farm’s legacy and prepare for generational transition.
“Transitions are vulnerable times for farms,” said Stephen Bishop, western director of NC FarmLink. “There are a lot of things that can pop up unexpectedly during a transition that have serious consequences, like the forced sale of the farm.”
The day-long workshop will cover several critical topics, including family communication, financial planning, and estate planning, all essential components of building a strong succession plan. These sessions will provide farmers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about land, assets, and family involvement in the future of the farm.
“We really try to make the workshop as interactive and hands-on as possible, so it is not an information overload. We want folks to feel empowered to get started planning,” Bishop said.
A program of NC State Extension, NC FarmLink connects farmers, landowners and service providers across North Carolina to farm transition resources.
Event Details
By bringing together experts and farm families, the NC Farm Succession School aims to help agricultural operations remain viable and sustainable for generations to come. Farmers, landowners and family members involved in farm decision-making are encouraged to attend.
📅 Date: March 31, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Frank Liske Park, 4001 Stough Rd., Concord, NC 28027
💲 Fee: $20 (includes lunch)
To register, visit:
go.ncsu.edu/piedmontfarmsuccession
For more information about the program, contact Stephen Bishop at 910-206-1546.
