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Updated: March 29, 2023
By Paul Goeringer

Estate and Succession Planning Survey is Now Available for Maryland Agricultural Operators

By Paul Goeringer, Senior Faculty Specialist, UME, Agricultural & Resource Economics

 We Need Your Help!

The University of Maryland Extension receives requests for educational resources related to estate and succession planning, but often when those resources are made available, only some agricultural operations take advantage of the resources.  Researchers from the University of Maryland are surveying the estate and succession planning needs of Maryland agricultural operations. All agricultural producers, service providers, and anyone working with operators may participate in the survey.  Delaware residents may also fill this out.

 “We often hear from agricultural producers that estate planning is something they struggle with and is a top legal concern for many of them.  But when we hold workshops or offer other outreach related to estate planning, we often get few participants.  This survey will help us consider the needs of Maryland agricultural operations and how best to address those related to estate planning,” said Paul Goeringer, a senior faculty specialist and Extension specialist in agricultural law with the University of Maryland. 

 Goeringer encourages all agricultural operators and those working with agricultural operators to participate in the survey.  “The more results we get the better we will be able to understand the needs in this topic.  We can develop better programming that fits needs in this area.”

 Information gathered will help Extension develop new resources and tools to support agricultural operations as they consider estate and succession planning. Participation is voluntary and confidential.  Anyone that completes a survey will be given the option to enter a raffle for 1 of 8 $50 gift cards.  Funding for the gift cards was provided by Horizons Farm Credit. 

 If you are interested in participating, please visit this website to complete the survey: go.umd.edu/estatesurvey.  We anticipate the survey will take 30 to 45 minutes. For more information, contact Paul Goeringer (lgoering@umd.edu).