Agriculture is the lifeblood of South Dakota's economy. Sustaining the Legacy is the educational link to planning the continuance of multi-generational farming and ranching operations. These families are the very fabric of South Dakota supporting local Main Streets, schools, churches and community activities across the state, ensuring that the next generation can continue to raise their family and continue to pass on their traditions to future generations while feeding people daily and supporting South Dakota's rural economy.
No matter the size of your estate, there are wrong, right, and better ways to create a family legacy. Learning about the different methods can help farmers and ranchers create a legacy they are proud of. This legacy includes the transfer of the operation, but also the family relationships they leave behind. These conferences cover many methods to transfer land and assets to the next generation and pass on personal property. These methods include, but are not limited to, trusts, LLC and LLLP, wills, probate, long term care insurance, and funding retirement.
For more information, contact Heather Gessner, SDSU Extension Livestock Business Management Field Specialist.
Upcoming Events
Sustaining the Legacy @ Rapid City
Join SDSU Extension and industry professionals for a three-day estate planning and farm succession conference on November 6, 13 and 20, 2025, at the SDSU Extension Rapid City Regional Center (711 North Creek Drive, Rapid City, SD 57703). Each day begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.
Sustaining the Legacy @ Winner
Join SDSU Extension and industry professionals for a three-day estate planning and farm succession conference on December 4, 11 and 18, 2025, at the SDSU Extension Winner Regional Center (325 S. Monroe St., Ste. 125, Winner, SD 57580). Each day begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.
Sustaining the Legacy @ Mitchell
Join SDSU Extension and industry professionals for a three-day estate planning and farm succession conference on January 8, 15 and 22, 2026, at the SDSU Extension Mitchell Regional Center (1800 E Spruce, Mitchell, SD 57301). Each day begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.
Sustaining the Legacy @ Aberdeen
Join SDSU Extension and industry professionals for a three-day estate planning and farm succession conference on February 3, 10 and 17, 2026, at SDSU Extension Aberdeen Regional Center (13 2nd Ave. SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401). Each day begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.
Sustaining the Legacy @ Watertown
Join SDSU Extension and industry professionals for a three-day estate planning and farm succession conference on March 3, 10 and 17, 2026, at SDSU Extension Watertown Regional Center (1910 West Kemp Avenue, Watertown, SD 57201). Each day begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.
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Sustaining the Legacy @ Watertown
Join SDSU Extension and industry professionals for a three-day estate planning and farm succession conference on March 3, 10 and 17, 2026, at SDSU Extension Watertown Regional Center (1910 West Kemp Avenue, Watertown, SD 57201). Each day begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.
Sustaining the Legacy @ Aberdeen
Join SDSU Extension and industry professionals for a three-day estate planning and farm succession conference on February 3, 10 and 17, 2026, at SDSU Extension Aberdeen Regional Center (13 2nd Ave. SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401). Each day begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.
Sustaining the Legacy @ Mitchell
Join SDSU Extension and industry professionals for a three-day estate planning and farm succession conference on January 8, 15 and 22, 2026, at the SDSU Extension Mitchell Regional Center (1800 E Spruce, Mitchell, SD 57301). Each day begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.