Setting/Landscape

Moderator, Mary Ahearn

• Transition of U.S. Agriculture to Best Meet the Challenges Ahead: Secretary Tom Vilsack, U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Future U.S. Agricultural Production at Stake: The Challenges of Agricultural Producer Transition: Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University
• Social Forces and Cultural Factors Impacting Farm Transitions: Shoshanah Inwood, University of Vermont

National Policies

Moderator, Ron Dust

• Legal Issues Affecting Farm Transition: Shannon Ferrell, Oklahoma State University
• Federal Policies Impacting Beginning Farmers: FSA, NRCS, Small Farm Programs, Other: Charles Dodson, Farm Service Agency, USDA
• Transitions in Agriculture: Perspectives on the Farm Credit System: Steve Koenig, Farm Credit
• Ag Credit Survey: Nathan Kauffman, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City - Omaha Branch
• Facilitated Group Discussion: Mary Ahearn, Economic Research Service, USDA

Lessons Learned

Moderator, Damona Doye

• Lessons Learned from Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Projects funded by NIFA: Randy Westgren, University of Missouri
• Lessons Learned from Farm Transition Projects funded through Risk Management Education:Dave Goeller, University of Nebraska, Regional Risk Management Education Center
• Insights from experienced consultants: Dave Goeller, University of Nebraska
• Retired Farmer - An Elusive Concept: Joy Kirkpatrick, University of Wisconsin

Future Directions

Moderator, Mitch Morehart

• Policies to Improve Farm Transition and Opportunities for Beginners: Brandon Willis, Risk Management Agency, USDA
• Facilitated Group Discussion of Major Issues and Wrap-Up: Mike Boehjle, Purdue University