Farmer's Yards Goes Transatlantic: International Farm Transition Network (IFTN) Annual Professional Development Conference 2025

As agriculture grapples with a rapidly aging population, with farmers aged 65 and over now the fastest-growing demographic globally, many nations face challenges around succession, generational renewal and the social integration of older farmers. Despite owning the land and often retaining significant decision-making power, older farmers are frequently absent from policy discussions and support systems around farm transfer. Farmer’s Yards addresses this gap by focusing explicitly on the older generation’s role in succession, not just as decision-makers, but as individuals who deserve dignity, inclusion, and purpose as they contemplate ‘stepping back’ from full-time agricultural work. Initially piloted in Mountbellew Livestock Mart (Auction House) in County Galway, Ireland in 2023, Pennsylvania Farm Link subsequently secured USDA-backed funding via the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center to adapt the programme for U.S. farmers. In January 2025, the first Farmer’s Yards event in the U.S. was held during the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show, drawing a diverse group of older farmers eager to reflect on the future of their farms and foster meaningful connection. Additional gatherings are planned in rural communities across the state.