National Farm Viability Conference: Full Schedule

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9:00am MDT

1:30pm MDT

Tuesday September 22, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT

A Model Chart of Accounts for Farm and Ranch Business One way to unify our various approaches to farm and ranch bookkeeping and to create reports that are comparable and can be used for benchmarking is to agree on a model chart of accounts. In this session we will workshop a model chart of accounts proposed by California FarmLink and discuss how to get additional buy-in and widespread adoption. There is a great diversity of approaches to categorizing farm and ranch assets on the balance sheet. Depreciable assets are categorized in different ways, prepaid supplies and materials are used inconsistently, and inventory methods also vary widely. On the income statement there is even more diversity of presentation. Some people use a cost of goods sold approach without a corresponding inventory account on the balance sheet. Others follow the Schedule F, or the QuickBooks default chart of accounts. Few use a chart of accounts intentionally designed to present a clear picture of farm or ranch operations. Participants in this session will learn about different approaches to constructing a chart of accounts and have the opportunity to work together to make recommendations for best practices.

Speakers

Poppy Davis

Adviser, California FarmLink

Poppy Davis is a business and policy adviser to agricultural and food and beverage enterprises, nonprofits, and local governments. She works through agricultural training programs around the country to deliver programing on topics including agricultural taxation, accounting, credit... Read More →

Tuesday September 22, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
Fireplace

Farm Financial Management

3:30pm MDT

What goes into a Farm Transfer Plan?

Tuesday September 22, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm MDT

Fireplace

Learn about successful programs that assist farm families in developing a plan for transferring their farm to the next generation – whether within the family or not. Models from CA, MA and VT will be shared - how each program was developed, how they are implemented, and what goes into each farm transfer plan – both the content as well as the effort. Then join the group discussion to further the conversation on how to identify needs, bring in resources, and customize plans for each specific farm transfer situation. This workshop will include an overview of each program (20 min each including Q&A for 3 programs) then open into a group discussion guided by questions around related topics (30 min). Proposed questions for group discussion: • How to ensure interests and goals of all stakeholders are included? • What financial info is needed from retiring owners and for successor businesses? • What else should be included in a plan or process that hasn't been mentioned? • What is the best timing to bring other professionals into the process? Learning Objectives: • Better understanding of key components of a transfer plan and what's involved in terms of communication, relationships, financials and resources. • Raise awareness of importance of identifying all stakeholders' interests in the process. • Learn from successes and challenges of innovative program models directly supporting farms in the important transfer planning process. • Understand importance of team approach to ensure farms can access a variety of resources and skill sets to get the help they need.

Speakers

Liz Gleason

Vt Farm & Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

iz joined the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program in 2010, becoming Director in 2021. Liz leads all program activities, funding awards, outcomes evaluation and reporting. She also fosters a robust set of partnerships with partner organizations across the state and leads fundraising... Read More →

Liya Schwartzman

Senior Program Manager, California FarmLink

Since 2010, Liya Schwartzman has been a trusted partner for California farmers and ranchers, helping them secure the land, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Through her work with California FarmLink, she has guided hundreds in land access, strong tenure agreements... Read More →

Melissa Adams

Programs Manager, Farm Viability and Agricultural Business Assistance, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

Melissa Adams is committed to helping farm businesses succeed. As Programs Manager for Farm Viability and Agricultural Business Assistance at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, she manages 4 programs that provide business and technical assistance and > $2 million... Read More →

Tuesday September 22, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm MDT
Fireplace

Land Access Retention and Transfer, Business Planning and Development