Our Story
Farming has always been about more than land,
it’s about legacy, resilience, and feeding our communities. Yet today, many established farmers face the question: “Who will carry this forward when I’m done?” At the same time, countless aspiring farmers wonder if they’ll ever have a chance to own and run a real farm business of their own if they weren’t born into the business.
Downland was born to answer both questions.
Founded by Jessi Roesch,
Downland bridges the gap between generations of farmers - helping established farmers create honest, values-driven succession plans while equipping the next generation with the tools, land, and financial access they need to build thriving farm businesses.
As a teenager, Jessi was the caretaker for aging grandparents. She saw first hand their health, dignity and autonomy fade away during crucial life moments. As a finance professional, she saw the same thing: Families overwhelmed by financial jargon, led by experts with different incentives, while leaving business owners to read the fine print.
Downland wants to put you in the driver seat of your farm business, from start to succession.
Our Mission
To honor the legacy of established farmers while empowering the next generation to step into ownership with confidence, resources, and integrity.
We believe succession planning shouldn’t be complicated, intimidating, or left to chance. And we believe aspiring farmers shouldn’t have to give up the dream of ownership because of money or timing.
Our Vision
A future where…
Established farmers retire with peace of mind, knowing their life’s work is carried forward with care.
New farmers step into ownership with pathways that make it possible sooner than they imagined.
Farmland is preserved, thriving, and feeding communities for generations.
Why It Matters
Farms are the backbone of our food system and our communities. By connecting generations, Downland is ensuring that the wisdom of the past and the promise of the future come together in the fields that sustain us all.
Why We Do What We Do
Jessi's journey began through profound personal experience. As a teenager, she was a caretaker for sick family members and witnessed firsthand how people's autonomy could be stripped away during life's most crucial transitions. This early exposure to vulnerability and stewardship shaped her understanding of how critical it is to navigate life changes with clarity and support.
Later, as a banker helping business owners make pivotal financial decisions, she saw the same pattern emerge; people making important choices without proper education alongside "experts" with misaligned incentives. These experiences ignited a lifelong mission to guide others through major life transitions with transparency and genuine care.
“Watching my family wither away, I saw the weight of decrepitude and was determined to hedge against it as long as possible. You don’t have to pull that thread very far to learn that healthy food is fuel for a healthy and vigorous life. That sent me on a mission to protect our local farms and food systems by supporting the people who feed us. After all, no farms, no food.”
Jessi Roesch, Founder of Downland
Ready to get started?
Click the button below to start your journey today.