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If you are a beginning farmer or a farmer that is looking to grow their operation you are well aware of the fact that land access is one of the number one issues facing beginning farmers. I know that we we began looking for land it was overwhelming. Not only was it difficult to find anything for sale that was actually in our area and in our price range, but there was a million other things to consider. Which bank will finance it? How far away from the job in town is too farm? Is it better to have a smaller piece of land with a house or a bigger piece with no house? Those are all questions that we faced, but looking back on the purchase there are so many other things that I should have considered or wish that I would have considered. So, what you will find below are my thoughts on what sort of things to think about when you are buying the farm … or renting a farm.
Seven Things to Think About When Buying Land
- As Much As Possible :: Very rarely will you ever talk to a farmer who tells you that they wish that they had less land, so always look for as much as you can handle.
- Infrastructure is Good :: It might be nice to start out with a blank slate so you can paint your own farm picture, but if you find a farm with perimeter fence and a few buildings that animals can run into if they need to you will be thanking yourself later.
- Location Matters :: Sure it’s nice if your farm has a great view, but what I’m talking about is how close is your farm to the people in your market.
- Ask for Pictures if Possible :: It is unusual for you to be able to see a piece of land during all of the seasons before purchasing or renting it, so looking at pictures from the various seasons and talking to neighbors becomes very important.
- How Do Enterprises Fit :: When you look across the particular farm you are looking at can you see how different enterprises would fit into the landscape?
- What’s Going on in the Neighborhood :: Are there other small-scale farms in the area that you can partner with? This can be a huge plus when you are looking for the perfect place.
- Distance from Family and Friends :: I would have never thought about this factor before we actually started farming, but I cannot tell you how important it has been to have family and friends within easy driving distance that are willing to help.
Don’t forget about the upcoming Practical Farmers of Iowa Farminar featuring “The Beginning Farmer,” Ethan Book.
Tuesday, February 18th 7:00 – 8:30 PM CST
“Making Niche Pork Work for You at Any Scale”
As always, I want to thank you so much for listening and supporting the show with your encouragement and reviews on iTunes! I am continually working to produce a better show, and I’m thankful for all of the listeners sticking with me as I learn. If you do enjoy the show, don’t forget that you can subscribe on iTunes and leave a five star rating and review (by clicking the link). If you are an Android phone user you can also subscribe on the free Stitcher App. It is so very encouraging to know that people are listening and enjoying the show!
I would love to hear your questions, show ideas, or comments about the show. Feel free to shoot me an e-mail! As always you can follow along with “The Beginning Farmer” and Crooked Gap Farm by checking out these links …
