UnCommon Farms 2026 Webinar Series

Live Session Tuesday, December 15 at 11 a.m. CT  

Why Equal Isn't Always Fair on the Farm

How to Plan a Farm Transition That Honors Every Child and Protects the Operation 

 

Most parents want to treat their kids the same. On the farm, an equal split doesn’t always lead to a fair outcome. It can strain the operation and put the farming heir in a tough spot.

In this webinar, Mike Downey will talk through what fair can look like for your family. Mike has helped over 750 farms plan their transitions. He’ll cover how to think about the farm’s value before deciding how to divide it. He’ll also share ways to balance an inheritance without breaking up the operation, and how to give off-farm heirs real value and a voice.

Just as important, Mike will talk about how to start the conversation with your family and keep it productive.

Whether you’re just starting to plan or revisiting a plan you already have, you’ll leave with practical first steps you can take this winter.

UnCommon Farms has worked alongside farmers and ranchers on the business side of the operation since 1967. If this conversation has been on your list for a while, this is a good place to start.

You'll learn:

  • How to define "fair" in a way that counts the sweat equity and risk the farming heir has taken on
  • Ways to balance an inheritance without breaking up the operation, such as life insurance and buy-sell terms
  • How to keep land in the family while giving off-farm heirs real value and a voice
  • How to start the conversation with your family
  • First steps you can take this winter, before another year goes by

Our Speaker

Mike Downey

Mike Downey

Manager, Succession Planning, UnCommon Farms 

Mike brings more than 25 years of experience in the agricultural industry to his work with UnCommon Farms members. After managing more than 100 landlord-tenant relationships during his years in farm and land management, Mike turned his focus to his true passion, estate and succession planning, and has since helped over 750 farm families build transition plans designed to preserve their legacies. Born and raised on a family farm, Mike graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Ag Business and Finance and holds several agricultural accreditations, including Certified Farm Succession Coordinator through the International Farm Transition Network (IFTN). He and his family own and operate 250 acres in eastern Iowa, including the family's original 150-year-old heritage farm. Mike is also co-owner of Next Gen Ag Advocates, co-founder of the Start A Farmer Foundation, and writes the "More than Dirt" blog for Farm Futures.

Let’s Talk

Let’s talk about how our ag business experts can help you take control of your farm’s destiny. Our community and experts can help propel your legacy into the future.

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