Farm Foward: Succession Planning and Next Gen Farmers

Sep 2

Hi, y’all! Johanna here from the TX Soil Sisters.

( The podcast media player is below w/ links to things we talk about. Or listen here.)

This is the third in a series of podcasts that we recorded from the 2025 Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems conference at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX, on August 4-5.

SFFFS is hosted by our friends at Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance and Small Producers Initiative.

Jessi Roesch on Soil Sisters Podcast — **Jessi Roesch,** founder and CEO of Downland
**FB:** @downland **IG:** @go.downland
**Website:** **GoDownland.com**
From the website, aspiring young farmers can join the Downland waitlist. And retiring farmers can call or text to start their succession planning conversation.

This Soil Sisters episode features Jessi Roesch, founder and CEO of Downland to talk succession planning and land access for farmers.

Downland helps young farmers prepare for farm ownership, retiring farmers to understand their goals, and creates financial and legal tools to help them work together fairly and transparently.

The podcast discussion focuses on the critical issue of succession planning for farming families, highlighting the challenges faced by retiring farmers and the importance of preparing the next generation.

Jessi introduces Downland's role in bridging the gap between aging landowners and aspiring young farmers through innovative financial solutions, matchmaking, and guiding values-based conversations.

Jessi also highlights the importance of early and strategic planning to align with USDA programs and grants, ensuring young farmers are well-prepared for ownership.

The episode emphasizes the emotional and practical aspects of succession planning. It offers concrete steps for farmers to ensure a smooth transition of their land and business.

Happy farming and healthy living, y’all.

Jo (and Crystal) ❤️

P.S. Receive Our TX Soil Sisters Newsletter by Signing Up Here. And Join Our Co-Op Here. 🙌

L to R: Jessi, Crystal, Johanna - Post Interview Selfie

listen to the Podcast

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