URBANA, Ill. – Every farm has an individual story to tell, and it is up to the generations of farmers living it to tell the tale. In 2026, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau are partnering for a series to help farmers and landowners build, sustain and share their farm’s legacy.

Focus on the Future: Sustaining Farm Legacy events will feature critical and practical updates for farmers on the current agricultural environment, including succession planning, asset stewardship, farm bill and market conditions.

“Meeting Illinois farmers where they are with today’s farming decisions will help guide, strengthen, support and most importantly, hear their stories through their life experiences,” said Travis Burke, assistant dean and program leader for agriculture and agribusiness at Illinois Extension.

Each location will also include specific programming focused on building strong landowner-tenant relationships, understanding today’s farm economics, conservation and sustainability updates, succession planning, and networking and discussion.

These new, informative meetings are designed specifically for Illinois farmland owners and agricultural stakeholders to network and gain support networks by connecting with Illinois Farm Bureau and Extension leaders. With three in-person locations and a simultaneous hybrid online option for each event, more Illinois landowners can be reached.

• March 2, Champaign, I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center

• June 30, Sycamore, DeKalb County Farm Bureau

• Aug. 25, Mt. Vernon, DoubleTree Hotel

The cost is $20 per location with lunch included. For those who cannot attend in person, a hybrid online option will be available. Each event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is required at go.illinois.edu/FarmLegacy.

“It is essential for both Extension and farm bureau’s legacies to be a trusted source for Illinois farmers, landowners and stakeholders to turn to when making decisions about their farms, for both today and the future,” Burke said.

For questions or if you will need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Reagen Tibbs at rgtibbs@illinois.edu or 217-732-8289. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.