Kevin Spafford

Kevin Spafford is the monthly succession planning columnist for Farm Journal, author of Legacy by Design: Succession Planning for Agribusiness Owners, and has been featured in many industry publications and televised segments. Kevin launched Legacy by Design in 2005. As a Certified Financial Planner, armed with an education in agriculture and 25 years of experience in financial services, Kevin guides farmers and agribusiness owners through plans designed to optimize success for the owner, the family and the farm. Speaking opportunities have taken Kevin to major agricultural events, including the Top Farmer Crop Workshops at Purdue University, Farm Journal Media’s Top Producer Seminars in Chicago, and the California Farm Bureau’s Leadership Conference.

Latest Stories
If you have decided to make succession planning a priority, we want to help you follow-through on that decision.
Here’s a checklist to use when reviewing your trust and will.
With so many components involved, it makes sense to periodically review your buy-sell agreement.
I’ve answered questions, responded to requests, proposed solutions and read a lot of great stories. It’s those stories that intrigue me most.
A comprehensive succession plan always includes strategies to mitigate the estate tax and minimize transfer obligations. But even the best estate plan may not address succession concerns.
If a family has not adequately planned for succession, the operation will likely go out of business, be absorbed into ever-larger farms or be converted to nonfarm uses. Using the five keys to planning success will create a succession road map.
Transition takes a structured process
Whats the difference between equal and fair in succession planning?
A properly designed succession plan creates a better outcome for farm owners and their successors.
Tips on successful succession planning from Farm Journal succession planning expert Kevin Spafford.