Here’s What You Need to Know About Purchasing Agricultural Land

Purchasing the right land is essential when it comes to farming, but it isn’t always so easy. You will have to take your time with this process and make sure to consider a variety of factors before making a decision. Perhaps this is your first time looking into agricultural land buying and you’re in need of some advice. Read on for helpful tips and steps you should take to find the perfect plot of land for your needs.

How Was It Used? Before you seal the deal on a property, it is a great idea to inquire about what it was used for previously. The answer could certainly change your opinion on whether or not you wish to seal the deal. For instance, if the land has been abandoned for a while it will be lacking in the nutrients needed to support crop growth. If the land was used industrially, there may be harmful elements in the soil and water supply. Make sure to do plenty of digging into the history of the land to avoid any surprises.

How Is the Drainage? In order for crops to thrive properly, it is best to have soil that drains very well when it rains. Proper drainage prevents plants from contracting diseases and stops insects like mosquitos from breeding in the soil and hindering the crops from thriving as they should. If you want to begin farming quickly, make sure the ground is draining properly, otherwise, you will need to spend money and time upfront to fix this.

### Is Everything You Need Accessible? 
Another thing to consider when purchasing land for agriculture is how close you will be to things like natural gas, water, and electricity. While there is some farmland in more populated areas, the majority of it is located in more rural places. This means that a piece of land you are interested in might be out of service range, which is a major disservice to you. For example, if you cannot connect to the electrical grid, you will have difficulties operating machinery. Without water flow, your crops will not be able to survive. Make sure you have access to all of the resources you need to run your farm before you make the purchase. If you’re lucky, your property will come with its own built-in water source. 

How Far Is the Drive? It is worth considering the drive you will need to take to get back into the city before you purchase farmland. You won’t want to haul large and heavy materials and other supplies across long distances all week. You will spend a lot of money on gas going back and forth this way, so it is a good idea to factor in these potential costs ahead of time. You will benefit from a shorter drive and it will be much less stressful when transporting supplies to and from your farmland. If you can minimize the amount you spend on gas, you will be able to save more, in the long run, to put into your land. It is also worth noting how close the farm is to your local distributors and markets that you get all of your crops from. You don’t want these to be too far away since your farmland will need 24/7 care.

Is There Reception? You will need to have good cell service at your farm so that you can maintain regular contact with your team and other business connections. Without reliable cell phone reception, you will have a lot of trouble keeping things afloat and it will be challenging to be productive. Before purchasing your land, test the waters by making a call from your phone to see how the service performs out there. If it isn’t too good, you might want to seek out a different plot. If you really love the property, you could inquire with your phone company about implementing additional cell towers.

Make Sure You Own Everything There is something else you need to consider called “mineral and gas rights.” If someone has these over your property, it means that they are allowed to mine on your land if materials such as natural gas or coal are discovered. This will get in the way of you running your business so make sure that you have full control over what happens on your land.

Buying agricultural land is a complex process and should not be taken lightly. You must do your research before signing any deals and seek out an agent to assist you throughout the process. Consulting with a professional will prevent you from wasting your time and money on this new and unfamiliar path.