Farm Succession Planning: Stories, Strategies and Shared Learning

As Alberta’s farming population ages and many families face questions about the future of their land, farm transition has become an urgent topic for many rural communities. This event will bring together established farmers, new and aspiring producers, transition experts, and community members to explore lessons learned and best practices around farm transitions. Attendees will have a chance to hear about new research around succession planning, lived experiences from local farmers, and gain practical tools to help start the conversation, reduce uncertainty, and build the communication skills needed to move forward with a farm transition.

What to Expect

• Annessa Good-Hassard will provide a keynote address about real strategies for making the transition to the next generation smoother and more successful (sponsored by AFSC)
• Dr. Rebecca Purc-Stephenson will present new research on farm succession readiness, family communication, and rural mental health. Participants will be introduced to a practical framework they can use to assess their own readiness and better understand what supports they may need
• An interactive panel of farmers and transition experts highlighting farmer experiences in navigating the realities of transition. Bring your questions!
• A Farm Transition Café Workshop facilitated by Young Agrarians. This reflective workshop is designed for individuals who are either preparing to enter or exit a farm business. Participants will develop their understanding of the dynamics involved in intergenerational farm transition and land sharing, and develop their communication skills.
• Delicious lunch and snack curated by local food artisans

We hope you can join us!

WHEN: January 23, 2026 | 9am - 4pm

LOCATION: Treaty 6 Territory | Mayer Family Community Hall Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre - 4501 – 50th Street Camrose, AB T4V 5J1

COST: Tickets are free. If you would like to support our programming, a contribution can be made during the Eventbrite registration process.

REGISTER: Please register on Eventbrite to reserve your free spot.

SCHEDULE (subject to change):

9:00AM Doors Open

9:30AM Welcome Remarks

9:45AM Annessa Good-Hassard Keynote

10:30AM Break

11:00AM Panel Discussion and presentation by Dr. Rebecca Purc-Stephenson (Augustana Agricultural Speaker Series)

12:30PM Lunch

1:30PM Farm Transition Cafe facilitated by Young Agrarians

3:00PM Break

3:30PM Small Group Reflections

4:00PM Departure/Goodbyes

SHARE: Planning on joining us? Invite your friends and share the Facebook event.

CARPOOLING: Folks will be travelling from all corners of Alberta and beyond to attend. If you are looking for or can offer a ride to or from the event, please post in the Facebook event discussion to connect with others.

ACCESSIBILITY: If you have any accessibility needs, please get in touch with us at YWxleCB8IHlvdW5nYWdyYXJpYW5zICEgb3Jn

This event is part of a two-day collaborative event by Young Agrarians and AgWellAB of the Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities (ACSRC), University of Alberta. Check out the Central Alberta Mixer on Sat, Jan 24th here

AGWELLAB

AgWellAB is a recent initiative of the ACSRC, located at the University of Alberta's Augustana Campus in Camrose. AgWellAB focuses on supporting the mental health and well-being of Alberta farmers and strengthening the rural communities they contribute to and depend on. Through applied research, outreach, and knowledge-sharing, AgWellAB addresses challenges such as farm stress, succession planning, agricultural identity, and access to mental health services, and is committed to advancing rural innovation, equity, and long-term sustainability through community-engaged research and action.

Website: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/alberta-centre-sustainable-rural-communities/index.html

YOUNG AGRARIANS

Young Agrarians (YA) is a farmer to farmer educational resource network for new and young ecological, organic and regenerative farmers in Canada.

Our mission is to educate the public by providing courses, seminars, workshops, and counselling about agriculture, farming, food processing, entrepreneurship, community economic development and environmental sustainability.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This event is free and open to everyone! Supervised children are welcome
• Please leave furry friends at home
• Please stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms
• Please wash your shoes if you worked or visited a farm just before the event to limit the possible spread of bird flu
• Please do not bring alcohol/recreational substances to this event
• Please share this event with anyone who may be interested!

STAY IN TOUCH

• Sign up for our e-newsletter to get events and opportunities for your region delivered straight to your inbox.
• Join our Young Agrarians Alberta Facebook Group to stay up to date with all events in the region
• We welcome cancellations at any time – you can do so through Eventbrite, through the link in your registration confirmation email, or by contacting cHJhaXJpZXNuZXR3b3JrIHwgeW91bmdhZ3JhcmlhbnMgISBvcmc=
• Questions? Email Alex at YWxleCB8IHlvdW5nYWdyYXJpYW5zICEgb3Jn

SPONSORS

This event is sponsored by Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC), which provides Alberta’s farmers and agribusinesses with loans, crop insurance and farm income stabilization.

Also check out other Workshops in Camrose, Health & Wellness events in Camrose, Business events in Camrose.