Why Farm Succession Planning Can’t Wait: Conversations, Control, and the Future of Our Land
Tue Feb 03 2026
“If you don’t start early enough to make a plan, it never takes care of itself.”
In this episode of Farming on Purpose, I sit down with Heidi Olson, certified farm succession planner and founder of Pathfinder Legacy Advisor, LLC, to talk about why succession planning is about far more than paperwork—and why waiting too long puts both farm families and farmland at risk.
Heidi brings decades of experience in banking, wealth management, trusts, and estate planning, along with firsthand experience navigating succession planning within her own family. We talk through how to start difficult conversations, why communication breakdowns are often the biggest obstacle, and what farm families of every size should be thinking about now as millions of acres of farmland prepare to change hands.
Key Topics:
Why farm succession planning can’t be postponed
The risks of waiting too long to start the conversation
How to structure productive family meetings
Why succession planning is operational—not just legal
Managing control and change across generations
Communication challenges inside family-run operations
Succession planning for small, part-time, or diversified farms
What to look for in a qualified farm succession planner
Preparing the next generation without forcing outcomes
You can learn more about Heidi and her work at pathfinderlegacy.com, or reach out directly at heidi@pathfinderlegacy.com. Heidi also hosts the Pathfinder Legacy Podcast, which is linked on her website.
LINKS
Sign up for the 8-Hour Marketing Plan here!
Marketing Routine class, do so here!
Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.
Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart
I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page.
Other Episodes You May Enjoy:
Episode 87: Farm Succession Planning: Securing Your Family's Legacy
Episode 8: Shifting Seasons in Motherhood and Ranching with Richelle Barrett
Episode 19: Homesteading Skills with a Farm Family with 14 Hands Ranch
About the Host of Farming On Purpose, Lexi Wright:
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the future of production agriculture.
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
More
“If you don’t start early enough to make a plan, it never takes care of itself.” In this episode of Farming on Purpose, I sit down with Heidi Olson, certified farm succession planner and founder of Pathfinder Legacy Advisor, LLC, to talk about why succession planning is about far more than paperwork—and why waiting too long puts both farm families and farmland at risk. Heidi brings decades of experience in banking, wealth management, trusts, and estate planning, along with firsthand experience navigating succession planning within her own family. We talk through how to start difficult conversations, why communication breakdowns are often the biggest obstacle, and what farm families of every size should be thinking about now as millions of acres of farmland prepare to change hands. Key Topics: Why farm succession planning can’t be postponed The risks of waiting too long to start the conversation How to structure productive family meetings Why succession planning is operational—not just legal Managing control and change across generations Communication challenges inside family-run operations Succession planning for small, part-time, or diversified farms What to look for in a qualified farm succession planner Preparing the next generation without forcing outcomes You can learn more about Heidi and her work at pathfinderlegacy.com, or reach out directly at heidi@pathfinderlegacy.com. Heidi also hosts the Pathfinder Legacy Podcast, which is linked on her website. LINKS Sign up for the 8-Hour Marketing Plan here! Marketing Routine class, do so here! Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page. Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. Other Episodes You May Enjoy: Episode 87: Farm Succession Planning: Securing Your Family's Legacy Episode 8: Shifting Seasons in Motherhood and Ranching with Richelle Barrett Episode 19: Homesteading Skills with a Farm Family with 14 Hands Ranch About the Host of Farming On Purpose, Lexi Wright: I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the future of production agriculture. Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.