Farm Foward: Succession Planning and Next Gen Farmers

Recorded live from the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference at Texas State University, the Soil Sisters interview Jessi Roesch, founder and CEO of Downland. The discussion focuses on the importance of farm succession planning and the challenges faced by both retiring and aspiring young farmers. Jessi explains Downland's mission to facilitate the smooth transition of farmland ownership through a three-part solution: preparing successors, finding suitable matches, and ensuring legally sound transactions. They delve into the human and emotional aspects of succession planning, emphasizing the need for values alignment, comprehensive financial planning, and innovative tools to ease the process. Jessi Roesch, founder and CEO of Downland, helps farmers and landowners pass down their land to the next generation. Building the financial, legal and workforce infrastructure to support families across the great wealth transfer as $24 trillion in farmland assets and $225 billion of our food production is in transition.FB: @downland  |  IG: @go.downland  |  Website: GoDownland.com - From the website, aspiring young farmers can join the Downland waitlist. And retiring farmers can call or text to start their succession planning conversation.Time Stamps:00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast00:31 Introducing Jessi Roesch, founder & CEO of Downland01:00 Challenges in Succession Planning02:15 The Importance of Values in Farming04:03 Navigating Difficult Conversations13:25 Financial and Legal Pitfalls19:24 Leveraging Technology for Better Planning21:58 The Value of Community in Farming22:34 Creating Tools for Farmers22:57 Affirmation and Support for Farmers23:32 Regenerative Farming and Living24:29 Downland's Role in Succession Planning25:02 Steps for Young Farmers to Get Started26:04 Connecting Farmers26:38 Building Legal and Financial Tools for Farmers29:42 Supporting Aspiring Farmers37:42 Creative Financial Solutions for Land Transition42:24 Downland's Vision and Future Plans 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey.Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.