FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Darryl Seibel, Darryl@ccalt.org , 720-557-8266

June 3, 2025

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — With an estimated 300 million acres of agricultural land in the United States expected to change hands in the next two decades, succession planning is no longer a distant concern—it’s a critical issue that is shaping the future of farming and ranching. As agricultural land transfers accelerate, an increasing number of agriculture production operations are at risk of development or conversion, threatening the viability of these working lands. To help address this complex challenge, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) is participating in the Land Transfer Navigators Program, a new nationwide initiative launched by the American Farmland Trust with support from United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, designed to significantly increase the transfer of farm and ranch land to a new generation of producers. The program is catalyzing organizations from across the country to support farm and ranch transfers that benefit retiring and aspiring generations.  

“Succession planning isn’t just important—it’s essential to preserving Colorado’s agricultural future,” says Dan Skeeters, who directs CCALT’s participation in the Land Transfer Navigator Program. “We are committed to ensuring landowners have the right tools to safeguard their operations for generations.” Through these efforts, CCALT is building a network of experts to help farming and ranching families secure their land’s future and maintain agricultural viability for years to come. 

As part of this commitment, CCALT is hosting its second installment in a series of Succession Planning Workshops on June 25, 2025, at the Steamboat Grand Hotel in Steamboat Springs, immediately following the final day of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) Convention. The workshop connects ranchers with succession and estate planning experts, providing practical strategies to navigate the complexities of land transfer while safeguarding their operations and family legacy.

This interactive, expert-led event offers guidance on balancing family and legacy considerations with the financial realities of agricultural production, ensuring families are equipped to make informed decisions about their future.

The workshop will feature presentations from succession experts, including Dallas Mount of Ranching for Profit, whose insights focus on the financial and operational aspects of ranching as a business, and Jenna Keller of Keller Law, specializing in estate and legal planning for agricultural families. Participants will also hear from experts in family dynamics, financial planning, tax strategies and conservation easements, and have access to succession planning tools that may help ensure continuity for future generations.

Here’s what to expect:
Over the course of four hours, attendees will engage in panel presentations, moderated discussions, and Q&A sessions tailored to different stages of the succession planning process. The event culminates in an open meet-and-greet, where ranchers can connect one-on-one with expert panelists to discuss next steps—whether they are just beginning to consider their options or need specialized guidance on an existing plan. This free event takes place at the Steamboat Grand Hotel from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Mountain Time on June 25, 2025. Colorado landowners are encouraged to participate to learn more about this important topic. Secure your spot by using the registration link below.

Click Here to Register for the Workshop

For more information on the Land Transfer Navigators Program, contact Dan Skeeters at 720-557-8274 or email succession@ccalt.org.