Ranchers Rethink Succession Planning to Bring Young Producers Into Agriculture
By Colter Brown
September 30, 2026
In many Montana farm and ranch families, succession planning—navigating the transition of an operation from one generation to the next—is a common challenge. However, what happens when the next generation is eager to keep the ranch in the family but has established careers outside agriculture? This is the scenario that Roundup rancher Bill Milton and his family are currently navigating.
Milton, in his late 70s, has three children who wish to continue owning the family ranch. Yet, all three have well-established careers outside the operation, leaving them with a new question: Who will manage the ranch in the future?
"We wanted to figure out, how can we go about finding a young person who wants to make a life out of agriculture?" Milton said. "What do we need to learn to make it worthwhile?"
For Milton, the solution isn't simply finding someone to fill a hired position; he seeks an individual who can become an integral part of the operation and eventually have an ownership stake in its future.
"I have three kids. They want to continue owning the place, but all our kids have great jobs," Milton explained. "There is a pile of young people out there that are hungry to play, but they want to be equal players."
Creating a Pathway into Agriculture
One significant challenge facing young individuals interested in agriculture is the high cost of entry. Land, livestock, equipment, and other operating expenses can make it difficult for someone without an existing family operation or substantial capital to start.
At the same time, there are eager young people who possess the drive and ability to thrive in agriculture if given the right opportunity.
"You've got to create an environment that feels good for them to be in," Milton said.
This involves reconsidering how this individual is compensated and their role within the business. If someone is to become a leader alongside the family, a salary alone may not provide sufficient incentive or opportunity.
"If they're going to be a leader in the business, they're going to be working equal in the business with everybody else in the family; they're going to need something more than a salary," Milton said. "The equity is the thing that motivates them to think critically and take risks."