how do I pick up rental ground without stepping on toes?

[Josh Schwartz]

I farm fifty acres of crops and fifty of hay, and from fertilizer to compaction I try to do it right. So how do I get more ground? we have more than a few big farmers in the area, and it seems like they get all the ground. I pay equal what they pay or close to it. I am just looking for some ideas of what you guys do, because you can't step on peoples toes by taking there ground.

[Craig Bolte]

I agree with K2 on the sealed bid idea though for rental ground.  everyone gets a shot, and its not the "heat of the moment" that will drive up prices...... 

[Craig Bolte]

Buying land - if you are correctly scaled and have your finances in order - always works.

 

You are then in complete control, and you don't have to worry about anyone attempting to rent it out from under you.

 

Your best long term landlord is Always your own bank account.  Please note though- I said correctly scaled and finances in order. 

 

(That is - if you farm 20 acres and you buy 200 - you better have some good cash reserves.  But if you farm 2000, and you own 1000 free and clear - you will always benefit more from buying 20 more than renting 20 more.) Scale this as you see fit for your own operation.

[Josh Schwartz]

thanks for the advice guys I really appreciate it.

[K2]

Same question in our house...   Your going to have to step on some toes.  Be selective....  When we get a chance we ask the landlord to put it up for sealed bid.   Then all get an equal shot.  Just buy land is an interesting idea.   It has worked for the last 20 years.  That doesnt mean it will work for the next 20 years.

[jeremy gerow]

im not saying to be cut throat about it  but take what arises  i dont run up rents if i have to rent a place i try to get it for free in exhcange for an ag exemption on taxes  i agree with craig in the long run you need to buy as much land as possiable i baught a farm last spring that i had no idea was for sale till the womens father ran me off the road while on the tractor  turns out they were selling the farm to the guy thats been renting it and he agreed to pay 1600 an acre but when the purchse offer came back to sign it was for 1400 and acre they were mad so they came to me and i paid em 1600  not that other farmer is mad at me . hes the one who tried to play the games .  now other member of the womens faimly have land to sell in the next couple of years and im their GO  TO GUY  i gave them a quick and easy sale dont lose sight of that people are usually stressed when selling property and if you can be quick and clean they apprectate it .

[Aaron Braunschweig]

I agree with Jeremy. Farming is a business, that doesn't mean you can't have relationships with people, but toes will get stepped on. It's just part of farming.

[Craig Bolte]

 

I've seen people tell stories of taking out an ad in a local paper and saying young begining farmer ....  etc....

 

I ran into the same problems - as we have a lot of what I call BTR's in my area (Big Time Renters).  I eventually decided to just pursue purchasing more land instead - which I've been very happy with the results of......

[Jason]

I agree with you Jeremy about taking opportunities, but I think there is a difference between an opportunity and trying to take ground. I would never cold call a neighbors landlord and run the rent up a few bucks just to take ground. Most of the guys I see doing that are just a flash in the pan, here one day and broke the next. I want a relationship with my landlords that is fair for both of us and we can trust each other.  

[jeremy gerow]

you cant make an omlette with out breaking eggs.  you just go for what ever oppertuities are out there dont turn somthing away casue of how far away it is or what you neighbor might think  most of the time they would do it anyway how do you think they got to be bigger  by sitting back ?