https://www.cfra.org/land-matching
Cait Caughey at caitc@cfra.org
Land matching lets our rural communities have a brighter future, by letting young farmers work the land.
Land matching keeps our family farms strong. It keeps our rural communities vibrant. It ensures that the American independent farmer is here to stay.
NEW FARMER/RANCHER BENEFITS
- gain access to land
- find help with financing
- learn from experienced landowners
LANDOWNER BENEFITS
- tax incentives and other financial benefits
- ease transition into retirement
- ensure the continuity of a farm’s operation and legacy
- bring fresh energy and strong hands to work on the farm
EVERYBODY BENEFITS
- small family farms continue a proud American tradition
- rural communities thrive with new farm families
Land matching is a great way for new farmers to get started, for retiring farmers to make sure their operation will continue long into the future, and for rural communities to stay strong.
How do matching programs work?
All matching programs work a little differently, but the basics are the same:
- Sign up: The program compiles lists of new farmers and of landowners who want to link.
- Match time: Usually, the new farmer must contact a landowner.
- Talk about it: Both parties get to know each other and decide whether/how to link.
Think before you link: Most application forms ask about participants’ assets, experience, and goals. Both landowners and beginners need to know what they want to get out of a linking relationship before they start trying to work it out with each other. This worksheet for beginners and this worksheet for landowners will help you describe what you’re looking for and what assets you bring to the discussion. Before you link, you should:
- Know what you want and need
- Be flexible where you can and firm on what you need
Most programs focus on specific states or regions, so new farmers can find matches in the area where they want to farm. Some matching programs work with farmers nationwide.
Looking for even more opportunities? Use your acquaintance network to build connections in the area you want to farm. Anyone—family, friends, business acquaintances, extension agents, real estate agents, postmasters, feed store staff, and more—can be your “in” to a farm transition opportunity. The more people you build relationships with and the more people know you’re looking for and seriously committed to a farming or ranching opportunity, the better your chance of being in the right place at the right time to access that opportunity.