The History of PA Farm Link
Bridging the gap between landowners and entering farmers since 1993!
Organization Overview & Core Services
Pennsylvania Farm Link (PFL) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to “Link Farmers to the Future.” PA Farm Link works closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and other agricultural organizations and businesses across the commonwealth to support PA farmers.
In 27+ years of operation, PA Farm Link has assisted farmers through four services. PA Farm Link has facilitated farm succession meetings for commonwealth farmers in addition to providing consultation and referral services. The online land linking database connects farmers with current landowners seeking someone to buy or lease their land. PA Farm Link also provides educational opportunities through a comprehensive online resource hub, webinars, and workshops.
Referral & Consultation
Our goal isto direct any farmer to the help they need. Thiscan include referring farmersto ag professionalsin their area and directing farmersto AgriStress helpline for mental health issues. We discusstopicssuch as beginning farmer needs, farm succession, available resources, and more
Farm Succession Facilitation
AsInternational Farm Transition Network (IFTN)certified farm succession facilitators, PA Farm Link staff members offer farm families an opportunity to discussfuture farm plansin an effective, open manner through facilitated discussion and workbooks.
Educational Resource Hub
We have compiled an all-inclusive resource hub for farmersseeking information on topicsranging from business planning to stress management. Recordingsfrom our live events are also available within our resource hub.
Land Linking Database
Our land-linking database contains a compilation of beginning/entering farmer and landowner profiles for farmland leasing or purchasing opportunities. This database is confidential and provides farmers privacy while seeking a potential match for their farming goals.
PA Farm Link Annual Reports
2021 Annual Report
2023 Annual Report
2024 Annual Report
2025 Annual Report
Moments in PA Farm Link History
John Vogel founded PA Farm Link under the Center for Rural PA, with a land-linking database as main avenue of farmer outreach.
The 501c3 had a focus on farm facilitation and matching farmers with those looking for land.
PA Farm Link starts offering 2 beginning farmer workshops.
Darlene Livingston becomes PA Farm Link's Executive Director.
Database goes online and available 24/7 for farmers and landowners.
24 ag professionals attended the training and 18 were certified as facilitators.
Developed Pennsylvania Edition of Planning the Future of Your Farm workbook.
Beginning Farmer Marketing Specialty Crop Guide were finalized for distribution. Monthly newsletter was developed, Facebook page was made, and a new logo was designed.
40% increase in entering farmers and 275% increase in landowners. 7 succession workshops and 2 beginning farmer workshops were facilitated.
Partnered with Penn State Ag & Shale Law Center to create a leasing guide. Released 2nd edition of Planning the Future of Your Farm workbook.
Website received a major update to create a resource hub for farmers in a visually appealing and accessible manner.
Farm Family Communications booklet was designed for distribution.
Produced Healthy Farms, Healthy Minds brochure and video.
Worked with 2,458 agricultural professionals from over 18 organizations and agencies to provide pertinent programming to farmers Commonwealth-wide.
Received funding from NERME and SCBG to provide educational tools on women in agriculture and long term leasing agreements for specialty crop farmers.
Began hosting Ag Professional farm succession continued education webinars annually.
Utilized webinars, podcasts, social media, tradeshows, and workshops to reach over 1,200 farmers. Began farm succession blog.
Three Succession resources developed: Long Term Care and the Farm, Cultivating your Farm’s Future and Cultivating Continuity.
Developed three meat resources and public database connection opportunities began.