The 2026 OAC Spring Meeting is scheduled for April 17 at Der Dutchman in Plain City, OH.

Farm Transitions & Conflict Resolutions

This year’s program will feature an informative session focused on the complexities of farm transition and the challenges families may face as they plan for the future. Hear insights on navigating the often complicated middle stages of transition, including stalled plans, family dynamics, and the stress that can arise when change is on the horizon. The discussion will highlight practical perspectives on encouraging productive conversations, maintaining momentum in the planning process, and supporting farm families as they work toward a successful transition.

Featured Speaker:

David Marrison, has served as a Field Specialist in Farm Management and as the Interim Director for the Farm Financial Management and Policy Institute (FFMPI) for Ohio State Extension since November 1, 2022. Mr. Marrison has worked for Ohio State University Extension since 1997, is a Professor in the Department of Extension, and served as an Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension Educator in Ashtabula, Trumbull, and Coshocton Counties from 1997 to 2022. David serves as a farm mediator for the Ohio Farm Resolution Services (OFRS) and is on the Board of Directors for the International Farm Transition Network and is a Certified Farm Succession Coordinator.

David is nationally known for his teaching in farm succession planning. He has a unique ability to intertwine humor into speaking about the difficulties of passing the farm on to the next generation. He has authored numerous publications in succession and estate planning. David was born and raised on a small dairy farm in northeast Ohio. Today, David and his family raise Boer meat goats and hay on a small farm in east central Ohio.

Marrison has received two of OSU Extension’s highest honors when he received the 2007 Excellence in Extension Award and the 2015 Steve D. Ruhl Outstanding Agricultural & Natural Resources County Extension Educator Award. He also received the 2010 National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) Distinguished Service Award and was the 2017 Search for Excellence Award for Farm Management Education. David received his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Economics Degree from Ohio State University and a Master of Science Degree in Education from Purdue University in 1992.

Ohio State Fair & ImagineAg Updates

Hear updates from both Adam Heffron of the Ohio Expo Center and Marlene Eick of Ohio Farm Bureau, as they share insights on plans and progress surrounding the Ohio State Fairgrounds, as well as highlights from ImagineAg, an innovative space designed to educate and engage fair visitors about Ohio agriculture.

Meeting Agenda:

• 11:30 a.m. – Registration
• 12:00 p.m. – Lunch & Program / Farm Transition Planning
  • David Marrison, OSU Extension
• 1:30 p.m. – Ohio State Fair & ImagineAg Updates
  • Adam Heffron, Ohio Expo Center
  • Marlene Eick, Ohio Farm Bureau & ImagineAg
• 2:00 p.m. – Adjourn
  

Cost & Registration:

• Members & Member Guests: $45
• Non-Members: $60

Click here to register.

Please register no later than April 9.