Completed Project Report


Golden Age Farming

  • Award Amount: $24,500
  • Regional Center: North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2005 Human Resource Risk Grants
  • Project Director: Mary Sobba
  • Email: sobbam@missouri.edu
  • Organization: University of Missouri Extension

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Project Overview

Golden Age Farming incorporates several teaching methods including traditional classroom presentation, small group discussions and individual exercises to address farming issues for persons over 55 years of age.

The targeted areas of Golden Age Farming include: retirement planning, estate planning, Medicare/Medicaid/Long-term care insurance, social security, leases and farm equipment issues.

Some farmers have taken steps to create a will or trust, but many are outdated. Many participants have been unfamiliar with new laws concerning changes in estate tax laws, strategies for maximizing Social Security retirement benefits, and alternative health care options available via long-term insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. Farmers, many times are unfamiliar with the programs and the potential impact upon the farm operation or succession plan for the farm.

Farmers may choose to change farming practices and possibly lease cropland. There are many considerations that need to be evaluated before signing a lease. The considerations are covered in-depth, so participants are more confident in using and understanding leases.

As farmers grow older they may need to make adaptations to equipment or hire out certain jobs. Also, there is a need for retirement planning, estate planning and a thorough understanding of social security. There is a great need for all partners in the farming operation to understand these issues.

Golden Age Farming programs are delivered in multi-session format, with a total of 12 hours of class time. The class includes presentations and exercises, with outside work encouraged. Within six months of completion of the course, to date 100% have reviewed their operational practices and are at least considering modifications. Twemty-five percent have requested additional assistance beyond the class.

Number of Participants: 32

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

There are no promotional materials available for this project.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

There are no educational materials available for this project.

REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

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DELIVERY AREA

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