250 | Only 3% of Family Farms Make it to the 4th Generation. Will Yours Be One?

Written By Peggy Coffeen

In this power-packed episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen dives into the challenges and strategies behind successfully transitioning family farms through multiple generations. With only 3% making it from the third to the fourth generation, guests Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus from Virginia Tech, and Lynn Paulson, Vice President of Agribusiness Development at Bell Bank, share actionable insights to beat the odds.

From the 2025 Ag Views Live event, they discuss the critical role of understanding financials, balance sheets, working capital, and asset valuation, alongside the importance of a business management mindset. Discover why involving the next generation in decision-making, setting deliberate goals, and having a trusted advisory team are essential for long-term profitability. 

You’ll also hear lessons from history, including the economic challenges of the 1980s, and practical tips for managing family living expenses. Whether you’re planning a farm transition or aiming to strengthen your operation’s financial foundation, this episode offers the tools to secure both your legacy and your bottom line.

Listen to this episode below!

This Episode is Brought to you by Adisseo

This episode is sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast Founding Partner Adisseo, a global leader in nutritional solutions and premier provider of rumen-protected methionine for dairy producers who want to optimize milk production, capture more value from components, and maintain the health of their high-performing herds. Learn more at https://www.adisseo.com/en/

Make sure to join the Uplevel Dairy email list to receive new podcasts, blogs, and offers from Uplevel Dairy in your inbox. To listen to more episodes, head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Don’t forget to rate and review!

Connect with Peggy: peggy@upleveldairy.com

Peggy Coffeen
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249 | Generations of Excellence with Ashley Swenson, DVM