Starting a farm is more than just buying land and planting seeds. It’s a long-term decision that affects your finances, your lifestyle, and your family’s future. Whether you’re launching a new farm or expanding an existing operation, choosing the right land is one of the most important steps.
But where do you begin?
Waiting for local listings or relying on word of mouth can leave you with limited options. Today, farmers use tools like AcreValue to scout land, analyze its potential, and make confident decisions long before a property officially hits the market.
Let's explore how AcreValue can help you plan your next farm operation.
Know What You Need from the Land
Before you even start searching for land, take time to define your goals. Every farm is different. Some require large tracts for row crops, while others thrive on smaller acreage with specialized crops or livestock. The right land for you depends on what you plan to grow, raise, or produce.
For example, if you’re interested in hay production, you’ll need land with well-drained soils and open fields. If you’re starting a cattle operation, you’ll need ample pasture. Vegetable farming might require smaller parcels but access to irrigation and quality soil.
Consider factors like:
- Your preferred crops or livestock
- The acreage required for your business plan
- Your budget for both land and startup costs
Clarifying your needs now will save you time and help you focus on land that fits your operation.
Use AcreValue to Scout Properties
Once you know what you’re looking for, AcreValue makes it easier to find land that meets your criteria. You can search across the entire United States, zooming in to specific counties, zip codes, or even parcels.
This is especially helpful if you’re targeting a specific region but don’t know what’s currently for sale. Or if you want to reach out directly to landowners about off-market opportunities.
With AcreValue, you can:
- View parcel maps and ownership information
- Identify property boundaries and acreage
- Save properties you want to monitor over time
Even if a property isn’t listed, knowing who owns it can help you start a conversation.
Analyze Soil Health and Productivity
Soil is one of the most important assets on any farm. It determines what you can grow, how much you can produce, and how much you’ll spend on inputs like fertilizer or drainage systems.
AcreValue’s Soil Survey map layer allows you to review detailed soil information for any parcel. You can evaluate the soil’s suitability for your crops, understand its drainage profile, and spot potential challenges before you commit to a purchase.
For example, some soils are highly productive for corn and soybeans, while others are better suited for pasture or forestry. Having this data upfront helps you avoid costly surprises later.
Check the Land’s Crop History
Understanding how a piece of land has been used in the past gives you valuable insights. With AcreValue’s Crop Cover map layer, you can view the crop rotations for a parcel over several years.
This data helps answer questions like:
- Has the land been in continuous row crop production?
- Has it been fallow or used for pasture?
- Is there a pattern of crop diversity that suggests good land management?
Knowing the history helps you predict the land’s current condition. If a property has been farmed intensively without breaks, you may need to budget for soil amendments or cover cropping.
Understand Land Values and Market Trends
When you find a parcel you’re interested in, it’s important to understand the local market. AcreValue provides land sales data so you can compare recent transactions in the area.
This gives you a clearer picture of what land is actually selling for, not just what sellers are asking. You can look at sales by property size, location, and land use type to make sure you’re paying a fair price.
Tracking land values over time also helps you identify areas where prices are rising or where good deals may still exist. AcreValue lets you monitor these trends so you can make your move at the right time.
Watch for Easements or Use Restrictions
Some properties come with easements or conservation restrictions that limit how you can use the land. For example, a conservation easement might prevent certain types of development or require you to maintain natural habitats. By reviewing AcreValue's easement data, you can avoid properties that won’t align with your plans—or prepare for any management requirements that come with the land.
Build a Long-Term Land Strategy
Even if you’re not ready to buy today, it pays to start planning early. AcreValue lets you keep an eye on the parcels you’re interested in, track market shifts, and build a list of target properties.
Use AcreValue to:
- Monitor land sales in their area
- Track parcels owned by absentee landowners
- Stay ahead of future opportunities
This proactive approach gives you time to build relationships with landowners, arrange financing, and fine-tune your operation plan before making a purchase.
Final Thoughts
Starting a new farm is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. The right land can set you up for success, while the wrong land can lead to costly mistakes. AcreValue gives you the tools to make smarter, data-driven decisions at every step of the process.