Succession Planning Fact Sheet
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Using a Facilitator to Keep Your Succession Planning Process on Track
Succession planning can be a daunting task. Many farm managers, particularly in smaller businesses, may only be involved in succession planning once or twice in a lifetime, when getting into or out of the business. Thinking about succession planning as a process rather than an event can help one gain perspective on the intentional time commitment required to make your transition plan work. Often business owners rely on a facilitator, coordinator, or navigator skilled in understanding family businesses to help keep the process moving and be certain the right people are involved in developing and carrying out the succession plan. Open the PDF file below to view the entire fact sheet.
Succession Planning Factsheet (pdf; 1133KB)
Upcoming Events
NWNY Soybean Weed Tour

August 4, 2025
Seneca Falls, NY
Dr. Vipan Kumar, Cornell weed scientist, will lead the tour through the small plot treatments and discuss the impact of these integrated herbicide strategies, with multiple modes of action, from a resistance management standpoint.
Pasture Walk at C&H Farms of WNY, LLC
August 26, 2025
Akron, NY
C&H Farms is new to grazing beef cows. Come out to view, discuss, and learn what is working and what needs some adjusting.
Dairy Bovine Reproduction and Artificial Insemination Training Course en Espanol
October 14 - October 15, 2025
Join us for a two-day workshop with hands-on training that will be offered in Spanish in cooperation with Javier Cheang, Genex. Space is limited, register today!
Announcements
We're Hiring: Area Dairy Management Specialist
To apply:Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30185).
Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references.
Applications must be submitted by July 31, 2025.
For more information, please contact Peter Landre at ptl2@cornell.edu. Additional information about the Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team can be found at https://nwnyteam.cce.cornell.edu/.