Who Will Farm the Land? Upper Midwest Faces Critical Farmland Transition
With millions of acres of farmland poised to change hands, November summit brings together regional leaders to tackle farmland access, farm succession, and the future of agriculture.
MADISON, WI — Nearly 300 million acres of American farmland—roughly one-third of the nation’s agricultural land—could change hands over the next 20 years, according to American Farmland Trust. Across the Upper Midwest, this generational shift raises urgent questions about who will own and farm the land, whether beginning farmers will have opportunities to establish themselves, and what these changes will mean for rural communities and the future of agriculture. These challenges—and potential opportunities to address them—are the focus of the 2026 Upper Midwest Farmland Summit, November 18–19 at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The challenge is already evident. In Iowa, approximately 40% of farmland changed ownership over a 20-year period, yet farmers in the earliest stage of their careers owned just 2% of the state’s farmland, according to Iowa State University research. Land may be changing hands, but that doesn’t necessarily mean new opportunities for the next generation of farmers.
As farmland prices rise and competition for land intensifies, beginning and expanding farmers face significant barriers to securing the land they need. Meanwhile, aging farmers and landowners face complex decisions about retirement, succession, and how to keep their land in agriculture. Without thoughtful planning and new approaches, farmland transitions can contribute to farm consolidation, lost opportunities for new farmers, and the weakening of rural communities.
“Over the next two decades, decisions about farmland ownership and transfer will shape agriculture in our region for generations,” said Brett Olson, co-founder of Renewing the Countryside, one of the summit organizers. “This is about more than who owns the land. It’s about whether we can create opportunities for the next generation of farmers, keep small and mid-sized farms viable, and maintain strong rural communities. We have an opportunity to shape that future, but it will take people working together.”
Hosted by the Farmland Access Hub and Renewing the Countryside, the two-day Summit will bring together agricultural professionals, farmers, lenders, educators, conservationists, policymakers, and others working on farmland access and transfer throughout the Upper Midwest.
Sessions will explore practical approaches to some of the region’s most pressing farmland challenges, including creative financing, farm succession and transfer, conservation easements, collaborative ownership models, and helping beginning farmers navigate the path to land. The Summit will also highlight regional partnerships and emerging strategies that can help more farmers gain and maintain access to farmland.
The goal is not simply to discuss the challenges, but to share solutions, build connections, and strengthen the collective capacity of those working to keep farmland in farming and ensure opportunities for future generations.
The 2026 Upper Midwest Farmland Summit takes place November 18–19 at the Pyle Center at UW–Madison. Space is limited and registration closes on November 9.
Registration: https://www.tickettailor.com/
Full program and event information: https://www.farmlandaccesshub.
About Renewing the Countryside
Renewing the Countryside works to nurture and invest in people, land, and ideas that sustain rural communities. Through programs supporting farmland access, farm viability, local food systems, and conservation, the organization helps build a more resilient agricultural future.
About the Farmland Access Hub
The Farmland Access Hub connects farmers and landowners with the resources, technical assistance, and expertise needed to navigate farmland access, succession, and transfer, working with partners to strengthen farmland access opportunities across the region.
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“Over the next two decades, decisions about farmland ownership and transfer will shape agriculture in our region for generations,” said Brett Olson, co-founder of Renewing the Countryside, one of the summit organizers.
