There's a lot that goes into farming and there's a lot to think about before buying land for your farm. Finding the best farmland for your new farm involves several key steps to ensure you choose a location that meets your needs and goals. In this article, we're going to cover some ways to find farmland, questions to ask when at a potential farm location, and other tips and tricks.
Here Are Some Effective Ways to Find Suitable Farmland:
1. Determine Your Needs and Goals Determining your needs and goals for your farmland is a crucial first step in ensuring its success and sustainability. Begin by assessing the purpose of your land—whether it's for crop production, livestock grazing, forestry, or a combination of activities. Consider your short-term and long-term objectives, such as increasing your current land or finding and setting up a new farm, etc.
Make sure to keys to successful farm management and factor in your financial goals and the market demand for your chosen products. Setting clear, measurable goals helps you develop a strategic plan, prioritize investments, and make informed decisions to maximize your land's potential while preserving its ecological balance.
Takeaways:
Identify the type of farming you want to pursue (crop, livestock, mixed).
Consider the size of the land you need based on your farming plans.
Determine your budget and financial resources.
2. Research and Evaluate Locations
Evaluate the available land in your area and the natural resources available on the property, including soil type, water sources, and climate conditions, to make sure they align with your farming plans.
Takeaways:
Investigate different regions and their suitability for your farming needs (climate, soil type, water availability).
Look into the local agricultural community, markets, accessibility, and infrastructure.
3. Utilize Online Resources
If you're not ready to get a Realtor yet, you can check out potential areas online on these sites. This will give you an idea of prices, listings, and what you get for your money.
Takeaways:
Use real estate websites and agricultural land listings such as www.LandAndFarm.com, www.Zillow.com, and www.Realtor.com.
Check out specialized agricultural real estate websites like www.farmandranch.com and www.AcreValue.com.
Explore government and non-profit websites that list available farmland.
4. Work with a Real Estate Agent
It's important to have a real estate agent who you trust and can negotiate a fair deal for you, knows what they're looking at in the local area, and knows agriculture. It's also important to understand how much you want to spend. Just because you can spend, doesn't mean you should.
Takeaways:
Find a real estate agent who specializes in agricultural properties.
They can help you navigate the market, understand property values, and identify potential issues.
Use a farm loan calculator to estimate what farmland you can afford.
You might also take a look at this article on how to finance your farm
5. Attend Farm Auctions and Trade Shows
There are many tradeshows that you can attend where you can meet other farmers who might know of someone who is beginning to think of selling their land and it isn't up for sale yet. Alternatively, you might go to a land auction where you can find property. You'll need to know the area very well though so you know what you're purchasing.
Takeaways:
Participate in farm auctions where farmland is often sold.
Visit agricultural trade shows and expos to network with other farmers and landowners.
6. Explore Government Programs and Grants
There are many programs and grants available to help new farmers. Take a look at the USDA site or talk to your local extension office to find ones that might be available for you.
Takeaways:
Look into programs offered by the USDA or other governmental bodies that support new farmers and may provide access to land.
Check for grants or low-interest loans that can help with land acquisition.
7. Consider Lease-to-Own Options
Some owners will offer lease-to-own or owner-carry options. This means you might not have to buy the property right away. You can lease it first and then purchase it later. This might be an option to explore if you can find one.
Takeaways:
Explore lease-to-own arrangements that allow you to lease land with an option to purchase it later. This makes finding farmland easier for young or first-time farmers.
8. Network with Local Farmers and the Agricultural Community
You can often find land opportunities by word of mouth. Farming is often a family business but what happens when you don't come from a farming family? Well, if you go back into pretty much anyone's family tree you will find a farmer. And to get back into farming you have to become a part of the farming community. So, networking with local farmers will help you do this. Here are a few ideas to look into in the area you want to move.
Takeaways:
Join local farming associations or cooperatives.
Networking can lead to opportunities for land that might not be publicly listed.
Local feed stores or small farming groups through your extension office might help you find other farmers near you.
You might also check out your local Farm Credit to see if they have any advice or leads for you.
Contact local agricultural extension offices for advice and information.
Speak with local farmers and agricultural organizations to get insights into the area's farming conditions and community.
9. Visit Potential Properties
You will need to assess some things about the property to see if it's suitable and how much infrastructure you will need to add. It's a good idea to personally visit and inspect potential farm properties to assess their suitability for your farming needs.
Things you will want to check on are soil quality, water sources, access to buildings, shelters, and other infrastructure, and any potential environmental issues like nearby waste, mines, or other hazardous sites to name a few. Here are some other items to check for when you are at a potential farm location.
Farm Land Checklist
What are the tillable acres?
Is it zoned agricultural?
How close is the property to local markets, customers, cell service, power, agricultural support, etc?
Can you have a soil map made or is there a soil map available with soil types and ratings?
Could you do an Environmental Soil Test to test for contaminants?
What is the soil fertility?
Was the land previously used for agricultural purposes?
Is there historical yield information?
How will you access the property?
What does the property border? Will you need a buffer zone for your growing operation?
Is it fenced? Can it be?
Is there enough sun or shade for your planned agricultural operation?
Are the water and mineral rights included or available?
Can you drill a well?
Are there easements to adjoining property such as driveways, railroads, or buried natural gas lines, etc.?
Are there field drainage maps?
Does this property have a historical landmark designation or wetland? (If so, there are rules about what you can change on the property.)
Overall, by combining these approaches you can increase your chances of finding the ideal farmland that aligns with your farming goals and financial capacity. This isn't a time to make a hasty decision. Take your time, ask a lot of questions, and make sure that you are making the best decision for your business venture. You want to make an educated decision and not an emotional one.
We wish you the best of luck and as always let us know if we can be of assistance helping you with your farm management software. Farmbrite has helped thousands of farmers streamline, organize, and track their farms, livestock, and whole farm operations.