As an aspiring farmer, there are a lot of “things” I must consider before beginning my own operation. Specifically, beef cattle, I have many factors to consider before purchasing my first cow. While there is a lot to consider, none has been harder to figure out than finding ranch land. Although, in my defense, California isn’t the easiest location to search for open land that is suitable for livestock, I haven’ given up all hope- I have just had to look harder.
Leverage Social Media
For starters (no pun intended) I looked to social media. There is a level of skepticism about using social platforms, but it’s a handy tool to keep in the toolbox. Asking your friends, or social groups, for advice or help, is just an extension to your networking abilities. And possibly the first stop on your road to finding suitable land.
I reached out to the My Job Depends on Ag group on Facebook, asking members where they found land, or how beginning ranchers can search. I am happy to report that I was given a lot of great advice, despite some people being negative about any hope of finding land.
No part of the process, of finding land, is simple, especially for beginning and disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, but with some effort and patience, it’s possible. Don’t let the negative people discourage you but be realistic of the opportunities and the input costs. As a Californian, I feel that this state is an increasingly difficult place to farm or ranch, or own any kind of business, but that either means you adjust your plans or move and start your operation in another state. Farming and Ranching is a business that needs to be treated as such. Finding land is part of this process.
Ideas to Consider
There are some simple ideas to find land, although, these don’t always yield the best results. These include asking your connections if they have any or know of land that is available. This can be done using social media. As always, you want to be familiar with and trust your landowner so there isn’t any miscommunication of the goals and plans from either party down the road.
Another idea is to drive around. Find ground that is vacant. Maybe, it doesn’t have fencing or check everything off your list, but if you can find the landowner’s information, you can contact them and ask about leasing, or purchasing land. Getting in touch with your county extension office is a great source to find owners of the land you’re curious about.
Speaking of county extension, you might have luck asking them about any land available, but I didn’t. Some states have excellent resources in their extension office, but other states don’t, quite frankly. They are helpful in many other ways, so don’t let this discourage you from reaching out.
Realtors are great connections to make, too. One of my leads for pasture came from a realtor I know. Not only do they have a good relationship with their landowners, they can make that connection for you and help jump start the process. Be aware that asking any real estate office to find land for you is going to cost you. Having a close relationship with a realtor might avoid the fees that come with finding land, but the benefit of having a professional search for you far outweighs the cost. Be sure to communicate with them exactly what you’re looking for, so they understand your needs. Schuil and Associates and Five Star Land Company are two brokerage firms that I was suggested.
A more traditional search can be done with publications such as California’s Ag Alert, Ag Source Magazine, or the Farm Bureau News. Classified ads are always put out, and there isn’t a shortage of publications to search.
If you are willing to go through the process, the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service are government organizations that provide grazing permits to livestock producers. This is a more technical process, of which I am not an expert, so if you are curious, this might be an option to consider and learn more about.
Creativity Is Key
Getting creative is also a great way to find land. Offering land in improvement, in exchange for leasing land that is overgrown with weeds, needs better fencing, or more attention in general, can help you leverage with landowners.
Offer to share a pasture with another producer. This could be beneficial in terms of finances, because you share the cost of the land, but also because you might be able to find a mentor in the person with whom you have a partnership.
Under grazed land, especially in California, is an extreme fire hazard. Which is also a huge discussion among commodity organizations wanting to solve the fire risk using animals. You might have a landowner who is wanting to protect their property and is willing to lease out land for your stock to graze down.
A more extreme suggestion, albeit a suggestion nonetheless, was to look at obituaries. Do with this information what you want, but it is possible to find land through many ways and creativity might help you out.
Keep Looking
There are definitely more ways to find land than these I have listed, but it’s up to you to put in the work. Making connections, looking into every practical opportunity and staying patient are keys to finding the land you need. While it is getting much more difficult to find land to run livestock, in certain states, it is certainly not impossible.
Don’t be afraid to keep asking, but, don’t get so desperate that you get into a bad situation that isn’t ideal for your operation or sustainable to your future. Know the people you work with, know the needs of your operation and don’t go into any situation blindly. Having a farm, or ranch, is a serious business with serious consequences, if not managed properly. The land you choose to put your animals on deserves the same careful attention that you place on the rest of your business. Good luck!
