Agricultural professionals who work with Wisconsin farmers have a unique opportunity to strengthen their farm transition expertise while taking advantage of scholarship funding that can reduce the registration fee by 50%.
The Certified Farm Succession Coordinator (CFSC) Training, offered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension in partnership with the International Farm Transition Network (IFTN), equips agricultural service providers with the facilitation skills, communication strategies, and planning tools needed to help farm families navigate succession planning.
As older generations prepare to transfer land, assets, and management responsibilities, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide difficult family conversations continues to grow. The training focuses on the human side of succession planning, helping participants address the emotional and interpersonal challenges that often stall business, estate, and transition plans.
With farmers aged 65 and older owning an estimated 40% of U.S. farmland and millions of acres expected to transition over the coming decades, agricultural professionals are increasingly positioned to play a critical role in helping farm families preserve businesses, assets, and relationships through successful succession planning.
“Many farm families have trusted advisors for legal, tax, and financial matters. Farm businesses and families often want someone who can also facilitate productive conversations and keep the process moving forward so they are better prepared to meet with their advisors,” said Joy Kirkpatrick, Farm Succession Outreach Specialist with UW-Madison Division of Extension and one of the program instructors. “This training gives professionals practical tools to help farm families make informed decisions and achieve their succession goals.”
The CFSC Training is designed for:
- Agricultural industry professionals
- Lenders
- Financial advisors
- Accountants and tax professionals
- Attorneys
- Farm coaches
- Mediators
- Others interested in facilitating farm succession conversations
Participants learn how to structure and facilitate succession planning discussions, use proven worksheets and tools, analyze real-world scenarios, and develop systems that help farm operations function as businesses throughout the transition process. Upon completing the training and certification requirements, participants may earn a digital badge and become eligible to be listed as a coordinator through the International Farm Transition Network.
Wisconsin Scholarship Opportunity
To expand succession planning capacity across the state, scholarships are available for Wisconsin-based service providers who work with Wisconsin farmers. Scholarship recipients receive a 50% discount on registration fees, making this nationally recognized professional development opportunity more accessible for professionals serving agricultural communities. Scholarships are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interested applicants should complete the Wisconsin Scholarship Application as soon as possible.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
In-Person Training September 14-16, 2026. Participants must attend all 2 ½ days.
- Monday, September 14, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 15, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 16, 8:30 a.m.–Noon
Location: Pyle Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin. Hotel rooms are available for $159/night at the DoubleTree (525 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI 53703). The hotel is a 10–15-minute walk (5 ½ blocks) from the Pyle Center. To reserve a room, head to this booking link . The booking deadline is Aug. 29, 2026.
With farmers aged 65 and older owning an estimated 40% of U.S. farmland and millions of acres expected to transition over the coming decades, agricultural professionals are increasingly positioned to play a critical role in helping farm families preserve businesses, assets, and relationships through successful succession planning.
For training information, registration details, and scholarship applications, visit: go.wisc.edu/cfsc
This September training is being supported in part by the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center USDA/NIFA award number 2025-70028-4537.