Farm640: Young farmers can take steps toward land ownership

A farm financial advisor says owning farmland may seem out of reach for many young and beginning farmers.

But, Grand Wiese with Farm640 says there are some steps that can take today to improve their chances.

“Work with you ag lender very closely to set up some goals for where you should be trying to get to with your financial position, and looking at how much working capital we should try to build up.”

He tells Brownfield it’s a good idea to start small.

“You don’t have to go and buy a full quarter or a nice irrigated 80 property. You can buy something a little bit smaller to get started.”

Wiese says he recommends working with a local FSA office.

“Those (FSA) officers are very good at what they do. They can help you out to explain what some of their purchase programs are to help you understand your eligibility. That’s very useful for helping young producers get into ground for the first time.”

He says young farmers shouldn’t be afraid to also have some additional side income outside of the farming operation, including being a seed dealer for a few years, working at a co-op, or doing some spraying for a neighbor, among other opportunities.