Cultivating farmers : succession planning can be complicated for exiting farmers and incoming owners.
Date
5-4-2026
Pages
12-16
Abstract
Article describes the leasing of Clayfield Farm, in Blue Hill, by founders Phil Norris and Deborah Wiggs, to Anna Drew and Nathan Bolter. Working out a farm succession plan isn't easy. Transitions can be complicated for exiting farm owners and incoming farmers, not just requiring the transfer of ownership, but also skills and knowledge. The process can take years, as older farmers look to secure a financial future, while trying to keep their land in farming, and younger farmers try to find somewhere to farm. Happytown Farm, in Orland, is also described.
The nonprofit Maine Farmland Trust, with offices in Portland and Belfast, works to protect farmland and support farmers to keep land in production, including programs to help with farm access and transfers.
Recommended Citation
Schreiber, Laurie, "Cultivating farmers : succession planning can be complicated for exiting farmers and incoming owners." (2026). Maine News Index – MaineBiz. 8450.
https://digitalcommons.portlandlibrary.com/news_mainebiz/8450
Source
Mainebiz