The Ag Center will host an exclusive estate planning & business transition roundtable on Friday, Nov. 7, from noon to 2 p.m. at Pardini’s in Fresno, bringing together leading professionals in law, finance and land management to discuss strategies for protecting family businesses, preserving agricultural land and planning for generational transitions.

The panel of experts includes:

• Michael Cohen, Agribusiness Succession Advisors LLC – Specializes in estate and succession planning strategies for farming and ranching families across the United States, helping clients protect their land, businesses, and legacies while minimizing tax and inheritance issues.

• Mathew Hoffman, Baker Manock & Jensen – Focuses on business formation, acquisitions, contracts, and complex tax and estate matters, providing guidance to owners, executives, and agricultural businesses.

• Edward Macha and Andrew Curiel, Decorum Wealth Management – Advisors with decades of combined experience in retirement planning, wealth management, and financial guidance for individuals, families, and business owners.

• Maxwell Horton, California Farmland Trust – Advocates for farmland preservation and supports landowners in protecting agricultural landscapes for future generations.

• Tim Kohl, Nationwide Retirement Institute – Expert in retirement income planning, strategic relationships, and providing advisors with tools to support clients in long-term financial planning.

The discussion will be moderated by Sean Haynes, chief financial officer at The Ag Center, and will cover a wide range of topics critical to agricultural business owners and landholders. Panelists will address estate and succession planning strategies tailored to the unique needs of family-owned farms and ranches, and explore approaches to business continuity that safeguard operations through generational transitions. Legal, tax, and wealth management considerations will be discussed in depth, including strategies to protect high-value agricultural assets and manage complex partnership agreements. Additionally, the roundtable will examine practical ways to preserve working landscapes and ensure agricultural heritage for future generations.

“Planning for the future is one of the most important conversations a family in agriculture can have, yet it is often delayed,” said Haynes. “This roundtable is designed to make these discussions practical, actionable, and relevant to those who manage and sustain California’s agricultural operations.”

The two-hour event will include lunch and an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the panelists through a Q&A session.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, November 7, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Pardini’s, 2257 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA, 93711
Lunch: Provided

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The Ag Center is a hub for California farmers to find agricultural solutions including consulting, land development, farm management and financing.