smallfarmsustainability's podcast · Iowa State Universtiy Extension and Outreach Small Farm Sustainability

Episode 189: Considerations When Purchasing an Acreage

March 14, 2023·15 min·1 clip

Olivia Hamlin interviews Anne Johans on what to evaluate when buying acreage for small farms.

This episode of the Small Farms Sustainability Podcast features host Olivia Hamlin interviewing Anne Johans, an Extension Program Specialist at Iowa State University. They discuss the process of evaluating and purchasing rural acreage for small farms. Anne Johans coordinates the Ag Decision Maker website, a comprehensive online library of farm management information. The conversation focuses on the critical considerations for prospective buyers before purchasing land. Anne outlines the resources available through the Ag Decision Maker website, which includes publications on crops, livestock, and whole-farm planning. She explains her role involves coordinating this resource and working with a statewide team of Farm Management Field Specialists. The episode aims to guide listeners through the initial steps of land evaluation, emphasizing informed decision-making. Anne mentions collaborating with university economists and the Center for Ag Law and Taxation. A key insight is the importance of accessing structured, research-based information before a major land purchase. The Ag Decision Maker serves as a centralized hub for this knowledge, covering financial, legal, and operational topics. Anne's position allows her to field questions from across the state, indicating common challenges new buyers face. The discussion underscores that land evaluation extends beyond just the property's price or soil quality. The tone is educational, conversational, and directly practical, stemming from a university extension service. This episode is ideal for aspiring small farm owners, new landowners, or anyone in Iowa considering buying rural acreage. Listeners seeking advanced technical farming advice or entertainment-focused content might find other episodes more suitable.

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