E30: Landed: The Next Hands on the Land, with Brooks Lamb (American Farmland Trust)

In this episode, I sit down with American Farmland Trust’s Brooks Lamb to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today: the impending transition of 300 million acres of working lands to the next generation of farmers and ranchers. From aging farmers and skyrocketing land costs to succession planning, conservation easements, and the future of working lands, this conversation dives deep into the emotional and economic realities shaping rural America. Brooks shares stories of struggle, resilience, and innovation from farming communities across the country — and explains why protecting farmland isn’t just about food production, but also about wildlife habitat, community identity, and the future of conservation itself. We explore: Why America is at risk of losing millions of acres of working lands The emotional weight behind succession planning How conservation can help keep farms and ranches intact The rise of regenerative agriculture and next-generation stewardship Why community connection matters more than ever What all of this means even if you’ve never stepped foot on a farm This episode is a powerful reminder that the future of land, food, and community are deeply connected — and that saving farms starts one conversation at a time. If this episode resonates with you, be sure to check out AFT’s LANDED Podcast. The prologue is out now, and the first full episode drops June 2nd!