Access to Farmland
Access to land is one of, if not the most significant challenge for many beginning producers. For those joining an existing operation, it might not be an immediate issue, or it might be if the farm needs to expand to bring the next generation into the business.
The process of identifying available farmland can be a long. Farm listings are unique and sometimes difficult to find. Deals are often made before farmland even hits the market, making it difficult for new farmers to find opportunities.
There may be reasons to lease farmland rather than buy. If farmland is not available for sale in the area a person wishes to farm, leasing may be the only option. Leasing may also be the only option if the financial situation of the beginning farmer is such that they do not have borrowing capacity.
Land Leasing Resources
- AgLink (ISU Beginning Farmer Center)
- Iowa Farm Lease Law (Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation)
- Leasing Resources Ag Decision Maker (Iowa State University)
- Farmer Leasing Resource
- Farm Rental Assessment Checklist (University of Vermont)
- Find Land and Fund Your Farm Operation (USDA)
- Beginning Farming & Habitat Leases (Iowa Department of Natural Resources)
- Transition Incentives Program (USDA Farm Service Agency)
Land Purchase Resources
- AgLink (Beginning Farmer Center)
- Find Land and Fund Your Farm Operation (USDA)
- Evaluating a Land Purchase Decision: Financial Analysis (Iowa State University Ag Decision Maker)
- Farmland Assessment Checklist (Penn State Extension)
- How to Evaluate Farmland (Farm Credit Services of America)
Access to Equipment
New and beginning farmers have several ways to access equipment, each with advantages and trade-offs. Purchasing new machinery directly from dealerships may be an option, but the high costs of farm equipment often make purchasing new out of reach for new farmers. A more accessible option is buying used equipment through auctions, classifieds, or online platforms. Purchasing used equipment is more affordable but the expense of breakdowns and repairs must be considered.
Leasing new or used equipment is also an option. Often there is flexibility in structuring lease structures, payment schedules, and end-of-lease options.
Equipment Resources
- Ag Decision Maker Machinery Management Information Files (Iowa State University)
- Acquiring Farm Machinery Services
- Buying Used Machinery
- Estimating the Field Capacity of Farm Machines
- Farm Machinery Selection
- Estimating Farm Machinery Costs
- Replacement Strategies for Farm Machinery
- Transferring Ownership of Farm Machinery
- Self-Propelled Harvesting and Spraying: Machinery Ownership Versus Custom Hire
- Joint Machinery Ownership
- Farm Machinery Joint Ventures
- Farm Machinery Joint Venture Worksheet
- Grain Harvesting and Handling (GH2) System Sizing Tool
- Machinery Leasing - Is It for You? (Ag Decision Maker)
- Machinery Sharing Manual for Fruit and Vegetable Producers (Iowa State University)
AgLink
The Beginning Farmer Center created the AgLink platform to facilitate the transition of farming operations from established farmers to beginning farmers. AgLink is an online platform that provides new farmers a chance to connect with transitioning farmers and farmland owners, start conversations, and locate farming opportunities. The first step for beginning and existing farmers to become part of the AgLink community is to submit an application (no cost) and create a profile. Once part of the community, you can search member listings and start conversations. For more information and to get started, please visit AgLink.