A Small-Town Attorney on a National Stage: Reflections on Farm Estate Planning & Legacy

I was recently invited to speak at the Farm Bureau Financial Services Financial Advisor Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. Financial advisors and Farm Bureau executives from 15 states gathered to discuss strategies for helping farm families meet their long-term goals.

It was an honor I did not take lightly.

When I was first asked to speak about farm estate planning and succession planning, my immediate reaction was doubt. There are many accomplished professionals in this space. Plenty with impressive credentials and national platforms.

I’m just a small-town attorney from Kansas.

What could I possibly offer?

Experience Speaks

The day of my presentation, I attended the earlier sessions and was genuinely impressed by the knowledge and expertise shared throughout the conference. By the time my turn came, I was the final speaker of the day.

John Massey, Regional Manager of Investment Advisor Representatives, and I sat down for what turned into a candid “fireside chat.” We discussed what I see every day in my practice — helping farm families transition their operations to the next generation and guiding families through the difficult, but necessary, conversations around end-of-life planning.

This work isn’t theoretical for me. It happens around kitchen tables, in farm offices, and across fields that have been in families for generations.

Quite frankly, I was blown away by the response.

During the session, I was asked about becoming licensed in additional states to assist with complex estate planning matters. Later, I was told that more than a few advisors felt the presentation was the most informative session of the day.

I suppose even a small-town attorney from Glasco can teach others a thing or two.

The Stewardship Mindset of Farmers and Ranchers

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is serving farmers and ranchers who share a common goal: keeping the operation together for the next generation.

There is a theme I see time and again.

Most operators do not see themselves as “owners” of the land. They see themselves as stewards.

Fourth-, fifth-, and even sixth-generation farmers often describe their role not as possession, but as protection. The land is something they care for, grow, and improve — so their children and grandchildren have the opportunity to continue the tradition.

That stewardship mindset is what makes agricultural estate planning unique.

This is not simply about transferring assets. It is about preserving a way of life. It is about protecting both history and opportunity.

Every time I sit down with a new family, I am reminded how humbling it is to be part of their team — helping ensure their legacy can continue.

Farm Estate Planning Is About More Than Documents

Effective farm succession planning involves much more than drafting a will or trust. It requires thoughtful structure to:

• Keep farm ground intact

• Prevent forced liquidation

• Balance fairness among heirs

• Provide clarity in times of transition

• Protect family relationships

Without intentional planning, even strong families can face unnecessary conflict or financial strain. With the right strategy in place, families gain confidence that their operation can continue long after they step away.

When There Isn’t a Next Generation

Not every farm family has heirs to pass the land down to.

But that does not mean there isn’t a legacy worth protecting.

Recently, I was asked to serve on the initial Board of Directors for Giving Acres, LLC — a newly formed entity affiliated with the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

Giving Acres was created to allow farmers and landowners to transfer some or all of their farm ground into an LLC that holds the property in perpetuity. The organization selects tenants committed to responsible stewardship, ensuring the land continues to be farmed with care and integrity.

The profits from the ground are placed into a fund at the Greater Salina Community Foundation in the landowner’s name. A designated portion is then distributed annually to charities of the landowner’s choosing — forever.

It is an innovative way to:

• Protect the land

• Ensure ongoing stewardship

• Create a permanent charitable impact

• Extend your legacy beyond your lifetime

When I was asked to serve, I simply could not say no. It is another meaningful opportunity to help families protect what matters most while giving back to the communities that shaped them.

Grateful for the Work

Although I traveled to Arizona to share my experience, I came away with something just as valuable — renewed passion and confidence in the work we do right here in Kansas.

After nearly 30 years of practice, I now find myself in a different role as well. I am often the attorney others in the office come to for guidance. Just as those before me taught me, I now have the opportunity to mentor the next generation of lawyers who will continue serving farm families.

We all do our part.

I remain humbled and honored to help farmers and ranchers protect their land, their operations, and their legacy.

Lance Cochran

Managing Partner Kennedy Berkley