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NACD 2026 Summer Meeting
Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Across the United States, the farming population is aging rapidly, creating an urgent need to support the next generation of farmers while ensuring farmland remains in active agricultural use. Farm linking platforms have emerged as one promising solution. According to American Farmland Trust, there are currently more than 38 farm and land linking websites nationwide designed to connect farmland owners with aspiring farmers and ranchers.

These platforms help farm seekers identify available land while assisting landowners in navigating the often complex process of land transfer. However, farm linking programs vary widely across the country. Some focus primarily on matchmaking between landowners and farmers, while others provide additional resources such as educational materials, leasing templates, and succession planning tools.

This presentation will highlight two Midwestern examples—Michigan Farm Link and Iowa State University Beginning Farmer Center—and explore how each program approaches the farm linking model. Attendees will learn how these platforms operate, the resources they provide, and how they support both retiring farmers and beginning farmers seeking land access.
Speakers
avatar for Kristiana Coutu

Kristiana Coutu

Director, Beginning Farmer Center at Iowa State University
Kristiana Coutu brings her passion for agriculture and working with farmers to lead the Beginning Farmer Center. In addition to resources for beginning and aspiring farmers, the center supports efforts of existing farmers in transitioning their land and/or operations to next-generation... Read More →
avatar for Jill Dohner

Jill Dohner

Director, MIFarmLink
Since 2023, Jill Dohner has led the development and expansion of the MIFarmLink program. A dedicated advocate for the next generation of farmers, she brings more than a decade of experience as a farm owner. Jill works with agricultural partners across Michigan to connect farmland... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

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