Certified Farm Succession Coordinator Training

The Center for Dairy Profitability, in collaboration with the International Farm Transition Network (IFTN), offers the Certified Farm Succession Coordinator Training.

The economic future of our nation’s agriculture depends on the next generation’s ability to access land and business assets. Many farm and ranch operators are realizing the importance of creating a succession plan. Agriculture service professionals who work with these farms and ranches are recognizing that it takes more than a business structure or an estate plan to get those assets transferred to the next generation of managers. Succession planning also includes management transfer, inheritance issues and (surprise!) humans with emotions.

This training will offer:

Insight on the tensions around farm succession
Strategies on working with families as they navigate farm succession,
Facilitation tools to guide the process,
Opportunities to consider real-life examples of farm succession case studies.

Instructors for this training are Kiley Fleming Ed. D., the Executive Director of the Iowa Mediation Service, and Joy Kirkpatrick, Farm Succession Outreach Specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. Fleming and Kirkpatrick have been instructors for this training since its inception in 2012. They offer over 35 years of combined succession planning experience to the training.

Review a sample in-person agenda for the 2 1/2 day training: Sample in-person CFSC agenda

Who should attend?

Attorneys, accountants, lenders, Extension educators, financial advisors, Farm/Ranch mediators, and any individuals who want to specialize in farm succession planning are welcome to participate.

What does certification mean?

Participants who pass the exam can be listed on the IFTN website as a coordinator. Coordinators can use the designation in their bios, email signatures, etc. Certification does not mean you are now trained to teach others to be farm succession coordinators.

After I’m certified, I’m certified forever, right?

Well, actually, no. Certified coordinators are required to collect 30 continuing education credits or points every three years to keep their certification. While 30 points sound like a lot, it is over a 3-year period and IFTN has developed several professional development opportunities and activities for coordinators to build their points.

Attend the IFTN annual professional development conference, which provides 10 points. You can get 20 of your points this way over the 3-year period. The conference alternates between in-person and virtual. The next will be a virtual conference on Thursday, June 22, 2023.
Participate in IFTN-sponsored webinars and receive 1-3 points per webinar (dependent on length). You can get 10 points through IFTN webinars over the 3-year period. Six IFTN webinars are offered each year. Even if you’re not a coordinator you can participate in these webinars. For more information on upcoming webinars go to the IFTN website.
Document your coordinator’s work with a farm business. Provide an overview of how you worked with the business in your coordinator role, without providing any identifying information. You can receive two points per farm business, with a maximum of 10 points over the 3-year period.
Non-IFTN-sponsored training may also be considered. The training must be in “the spirit” of the coordinator role. These require IFTN approval. The training information should be provided after attendance and the board will review submissions of this type two times a year. You can receive 1-3 credits each (dependent on length and topics that fit the coordinator role). You can receive a maximum 10 points over the 3-year period via non-IFTN sponsored training.

You do not have to be an IFTN member to retain certification; however, you do receive discounts on webinar registration fees and membership allows you to participate in membership meetings and run for the board.

Upcoming Training: (both in-person and virtual options)

Live virtual training session: March-April 2023

WHEN: (all times are Central Daylight Savings Time)

Tuesday, March 21, 2023; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tuesday, March 28, 2023; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tuesday, April 4, 2023; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Participants must attend all three virtual days. There will be homework assignments between the live Zoom training days.

WHERE: Live via Zoom. Registrants will be provided the link.

COST: Registration fees are $950/person before February 17, 2023, and $1,000 after Feb. 17. The registration site will close on Friday, March 3, 2023. Registration includes materials, live instruction (via Zoom), and a 2023-24 International Farm Transition Network membership. Materials will ship to participants prior to March 21. Organizations that register three or more people can receive a group discount of $50/per person. The group must be registered at the same time and paid for as a group. Register online at https://uwmadison.eventsair.com/farmmarch23/reg

CANCELLATIONS: A refund, minus a $50 cancellation fee, will be issued if you cancel on or before Friday, February 17, 2023. A refund, minus a $150 cancellation fee, will be issued if you cancel after February 17, 2023, but before March 3, 2023. No refunds will be made after Friday, March 3, 2023. Substitutions are welcome at any time. If the conference is canceled for any reason, your registration fee will be refunded. The meeting organizer is not responsible for the refund of any other costs.

In-person training: May 22 – 24, 2023, Madison, Wisconsin

WHEN:

Monday, May 22, 2023; 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Tuesday, May 23, 2023; 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Wednesday, May 24, 2023; 8:00 am – noon

Participants must attend all three days to receive materials and be eligible to take the certification exam.

WHERE: Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St., Madison, Wisconsin.

COST: Registration fees are $950/person on or before April 7, 2023, and $1,000 after April 7. The registration site will close on Friday, May 12, 2023. Registration includes materials, live instruction (via Zoom) and a 2023-24 International Farm Transition Network membership. Register online at https://uwmadison.eventsair.com/farmay23/reg

CANCELLATIONS: A refund, minus a $50 cancellation fee, will be issued if you cancel on or before Friday, April 7, 2023. A refund, minus a $150 cancellation fee, will be issued if you cancel after April 7, 2023, but before May 12, 2023. No refunds will be made after Friday, May 12, 2023. Substitutions are welcome at any time. If the conference is cancelled for any reason, your registration fee will be refunded. The meeting organizer is not responsible for the refund of airfare, hotel, or any other costs.

LODGING: A block of rooms is available at the rate of $149.00/night plus taxes at the Graduate Madison Hotel, 601 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53703.

Graduate Madison Hotel Booking Link for the Certified Farm Succession Coordinator Training

Questions? Contact: Joy Kirkpatrick, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Farm Succession Outreach Specialist joy.kirkpatrick@wisc.edu, 608.263.3485.