November 18, 2025 · Nebraska Farmers Network
The Great Wealth Transfer: Agriculture’s Silent Threat.
There is a major shift on the horizon for the agriculture industry, one that goes far beyond market trends or commodity prices. As Baby Boomer farmers and ranchers prepare to pass on land and assets, millions in agricultural wealth are at risk without proper planning. Learn how communication, preparation, and strategic planning can protect family legacies and keep agricultural land in the hands of those who work it.
There is a major shift on the horizon for the agriculture industry, one that goes far beyond market trends or commodity prices. The Baby Boomer generation holds half of our nation’s wealth. As this generation ages into retirement and beyond, we will see a record amount of wealth change hands in the next 10 to 15 years. The future of agriculture lies in the hands of those who will transition their assets and land during this time period. If proper planning does not take place, much of this wealth that powers our agriculture sector will be lost.
For the agriculture industry, this transition is especially significant. The future of our farms, ranches, and rural communities rests in the hands of families navigating how and when to pass on their land and assets. Without thoughtful planning, a substantial portion of the wealth that sustains our ag economy could be lost.
The leading cause of wealth transfer failure is a lack of communication and trust. Approximately 60% of wealth transfers fail due to this issue. Another 25% is attributed to poor preparation and a lack of knowledge in managing an inheritance, according to a study cited in USA Today. In an RBC Wealth Management survey, two-thirds of benefactors say they have procrastinated wealth transfer conversations.
Yet, most farm and ranch families want their operations to stay in the family and continue for generations. The challenge is that these conversations are incredibly personal and often difficult. For many farmers, stepping back isn’t just leaving a job; it’s stepping away from a lifelong identity and daily purpose. Despite this, transitions need to be carefully planned and considered to ensure Nebraska Farmland stays in the hands of those who live and work on it. This can preserve our state’s tradition and values rooted in agriculture, family, and prosperity.
Our family of subsidiary companies is here to support you through every step of this process. Whether you need assistance with equipment, estate auctions, tax-deferral strategies, or brokerage services, we are committed to keeping Nebraska land Nebraska-owned and preserving the legacy that generations before us worked so hard to build.
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