Farm & Ranch Legacy workshop to be held

The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition will host a Farm & Ranch Legacy workshop on Sept. 9 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Custer County Fairgrounds 4-H Building in Broken Bow. This producer-focused workshop is designed to help farm and ranch families build and maintain a successful estate plan that protects their land, their operation, and the legacy they intend to pass on.

TRANSITION FACTS

· Most Nebraska operations don’t have a complete estate plan. Many families have a will but lack the full set of documents needed to protect land, decision-making, and medical authority during emergencies or transitions.

· Land values have climbed sharply. Higher valuations mean more risk during transfer — tax exposure, probate delays and disputes can grow quickly if plans aren’t clear.

· Multi-generation operations are becoming more complex. More families now have off-farm heirs, blended families, or multiple decision-makers, which increases the need for written clarity.

· Unexpected health events are a major disruptor. Long-term care costs and medical decision-making can drain resources or stall operations when families don’t have durable powers of attorney or care directives in place.

· Producers often delay planning because it feels overwhelming. Many families know they need a plan but don’t know where to start, which leads to years of postponing critical decisions.

The session will be led by Pamela Epp Olsen, a Nebraska attorney who has served clients since 1996 and lives on a farm/ranch in western Nebraska with her family. Her guidance is shaped by both professional experience and the day-to-day realities of agricultural life, offering producers clear relatable information. Register online at nebraskagrazinglands.org or by calling the Custer County Extension Office at (308) 872-6831. Registration is $20. A complimentary breakfast and hot lunch will be provided.

This workshop is made possible by a grant received by the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Conservation Partners Program and a generous donation by Farm Credit Services of America.