Help shape the future of farm transition in Alberta

Growing up, I often heard difficult stories about family farm transitions and successions. Families torn apart after a death, divorce or unexpected land division. What made these situations especially challenging wasn’t just the logistics but the emotions: the hard conversations, lingering questions about fairness and the fear of disrupting long-standing family dynamics. What struck me most was how common these stories were. Almost every farm family I know has either been through succession, is navigating it now or is putting it off. And honestly, I don’t blame those who are avoiding the topic.

Some of the best advice I’ve received is this: you can’t rule from the grave, fair isn’t equal and equal isn’t fair. Avoiding the conversation can come at a high cost. Too often, families fracture during legal battles, successors are set up to fail because they haven’t been given the chance to learn or land is sold off to maintain “fairness” even when it jeopardizes the future of the farm. Those outcomes have stayed with me. That’s why I feel so strongly about supporting transition planning. It’s not just about legal documents or tax strategies, it’s about protecting legacy, land and livelihoods. 

In light of this, I’m excited to be working with Alberta Grains to undertake a project that brings together farmers, industry and other stakeholders to identify the policy, programming and regulatory barriers that may be making succession planning harder than it needs to be. We also aim to understand the challenges for next-generation farmers once transitions have taken place. A recent report by RBC estimates that about 40 per cent of Canadian farmers are expected to retire by 2033, one of the largest farm transitions in our history. By identifying what both current and future farmers need to make transitions smoother and more supported, Alberta Grains hopes to outline key gaps and opportunities to help strengthen the sector’s long-term resilience.

As someone whose own family is soon beginning our transition, what excites me most about this project, and policy work more broadly, is its potential to create real, lasting change. Good policy can reduce red tape, make resources more accessible and ensure programs actually meet the needs of farmers. It’s where big-picture thinking meets practical outcomes.

Of course, it’s critical that farmers’ voices are front and centre in shaping these conversations. Over the course of the summer, I’ll be speaking with farmers, industry partners, commissions and other organizations interested in supporting farm transition and the next generation. As part of the project, we’ll also review how other Prairie provinces approach succession planning, what tools, supports and centralized resources they offer, and how Alberta compares. So far, it’s clear Alberta’s patchwork approach can make the process feel overwhelming, especially for those just starting out.

I’m also interested in the human side of this issue. What role do financial pressures, generational differences and education play? How can we make succession planning feel less intimidating and more approachable before it becomes a crisis?

That’s where you come in.

We’ve created a short survey to gather insights from producers across Alberta.

If you’ve been through succession or are thinking about it, we’d be grateful if you took a few minutes to share your thoughts. You can fill in as much or as little as you like. There’s also an option to indicate whether you’d be open to a follow-up conversation later this summer. If you are, I might reach out — always keeping in mind how busy this season is. 

This work will help inform Alberta Grains’ policy and advocacy efforts. By understanding what’s really happening on the ground, we can push for practical, well-informed changes that make succession planning easier, more supported and more successful for the next generation. 

Thank you for reading and for everything you do to keep agriculture strong in Alberta. I truly believe this work is better when it reflects the voices of those living it every day. I’m looking forward to listening, learning and helping shape a better future for our farms.

About the author 

Selena Grutterink is the policy and markets intern at Alberta Grains. She grew up on a cow-calf operation in central Alberta and studied marketing with a minor in environmental economics and sustainable development. Her passion for ag advocacy is rooted in bridging the gap between rural and urban perspectives and finding practical ways to support farmers.