Legacy farming and estate planning are two critical, yet often overlooked, components of sustainable agriculture. In this compelling episode of Lasting Farms, hosts Jim Coleman and Grant Wallace dive deep into what it really takes to preserve a family farm for generations. Legacy farming and estate planning are not just buzzwords—they are survival tools for modern farmers who want to turn hard work into generational wealth.Hollywood romanticizes farming with shows like Little House on the Prairie, painting a nostalgic picture of sunsets, simple living, and inherited land. But Jim and Grant reveal the harsh truth: without a clear business model and succession plan, that picturesque farm is destined for foreclosure.

This episode kicks off with a game—"Little House or Legacy"—to determine whether common farm scenarios are rooted in fantasy or sustainable business logic.Listeners will hear stories of family farms destroyed by indecision, and others that thrive because someone dared to take full ownership—emotionally and financially. Jim shares how he became the most "hated" in his family for doing what was necessary to save his farm. He outlines what real legacy farming looks like: reinvesting profits, drafting estate plans, creating LLCs, and selecting a successor based on dedication, not bloodline.Grant brings his own perspective, having seen the painful sale of his family farm. He emphasizes how adapting to market demands—such as shifting from CSA to salad greens—was the key to survival.

Together, they explore farm management as a business, with standard operating procedures, zoning compliance, and financial literacy taught to the next generation.The episode also includes discussions around heirs property, trust funds, and the legal frameworks that can make or break a legacy. Jim even outlines his own plan to create a board-managed trust to keep his farm running long after he's gone, ensuring it never gets sold.Whether you're a current farmer, aspiring landowner, or simply someone passionate about sustainability and generational wealth, this episode offers actionable insights. You'll learn how to build a profitable, legacy-driven farm that survives family drama, market shifts, and economic downturns.Don’t miss this honest, heartfelt conversation between Jim and Grant. It’s a wake-up call for anyone who thinks farming is just about crops and livestock. It’s about vision, strategy, and love for the land—and making sure that love lasts.

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