Passing the Torch: Ag Census Data Highlights Nebraska’s Need for Farm Transition Planning

Nebraska agriculture is at a crossroads. With the recent USDA Census of Agriculture showing an aging producer population that is continuing to rise, the state faces significant challenges in ensuring its agricultural land and legacy is passed on to the next generation of producers. The aging producer population rose significantly from 2012 to 2017, with an increase from 50.9% to 60% of producers being over the age of 65 during this time. In 2022, it has remained steady at around 60%. Despite most producers in Nebraska being over 65 years old, it is estimated that only 50% of operations have up-to-date succession plans in place. A 2017 University of Nebraska-Lincoln survey showed that producers often don’t think about estate and succession planning for various reasons. Some producers never plan to retire, while others do not have a successor. Another reason is that some producers are not ready to give up control of their operation.