Investing in agricultural lands across the U.S.
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Welcome back, everyone. Ready for another deep dive? Absolutely. Always ready to dig into something new. Well, today we're tackling a topic I know you're interested in. The best U.S. states to buy farmland. You want to find something affordable with a good chance of going up in value. Right, right. Low property taxes, landlord-friendly laws. Yeah.

You know, the whole package. That's the dream. To help us sort through everything, we've got a real mix of sources for this deep dive. So what, like the usual suspects? Well, we've got this YouTube video breaking down the cheapest states. Okay, yeah. Some super in-depth research reports. Those are always good. And even some AI deep searches based on, like, your specific criteria.

A little something extra. Oh, that's cool. Yeah, I like that. AI is getting pretty good these days. So some sources are going deep and others are giving us what the quick and dirty. Exactly. And speaking of quick and dirty, that YouTube video. Wow. It was something crazy. You could buy it.

dozens, maybe even hundreds of acres in some states for like the price of a luxury car. No way. Seriously. That's wild. Wild is right. So which states are we talking here? Give me the rundown. All right. So the video's top pick, the cheapest of the cheap, is New Mexico. New Mexico, huh? Never been. Average price per acre. Get this, only $1,500. Damn, that's cheaper than I thought. Right.

Right. And it's not just New Mexico. Wyoming and Nevada are close behind $1,600 and $1,800 an acre. Affordable is an understatement. Yeah, but I bet there's a reason they're so cheap. You know what I mean? There's got to be some trade-off. You are so right. And that's where those research reports come in. They add some much-needed context. Like what?

Well, they point out that low prices are tempting, sure. Oh, yeah. But future growth, that's driven by other things. Right, right. Things like what? Demand, infrastructure. Exactly. And Wyoming and Nevada, they've got much smaller agricultural sectors compared to some other states. Yeah. So maybe not the best long-term bets. Could be. Might not see the same kind of value increase. Interesting. Interesting. So...

What states do the reports like? Where's the sweet spot for price and deep potential? Well, one name that keeps coming up is Oklahoma. Oklahoma. OK. It seems to hit that sweet spot you're talking about. Affordable land, but a way bigger ag footprint. Yeah, makes sense. Could mean better appreciation down the line. So Oklahoma, it's not just cheap. It's got the whole package. Like what makes its agriculture so strong? Well, they've got everything. Cow

Cattle ranching, wheat production. It's a real mix. It's good. Diversity is key, right? Spreads the risk. Plus, remember those landlord friendly laws and low property taxes we were talking about? Oh, right, right. Those are important factors for sure. Oklahoma's got those in spades.

So are we thinking like buy and hold in Oklahoma? Is that the play? It's definitely worth looking into. But before we go all in on Oklahoma, we got to talk about how to UUC farmland, you know. There are different approaches depending on what you're after. Right, right. And I know you mentioned farmland versus pasture land earlier. Yeah, yeah. Good point. It's an important distinction. So remind me, what's the key difference again?

Okay. So farmland, think crops, think livestock. It's about actively growing stuff. Okay. Pastureland, it's mainly for grazing. A little more laid back. Yeah. I see. I see. So pastureland may be better for leasing to ranchers.

while farmland gives you more options. That's a good way to think about it, yeah. Pastureland, steady income, less hands-on farmland. More choices, but maybe more work involved. So many possibilities. All right, but before we daydream about our own little farms, let's get back to those research reports.

They highlighted some key regions that stood out for different reasons, like prime real estate, but not necessarily cheap. Oh, interesting. Okay. Which regions are we talking here? One is like the classic image of American farmland, the Corn Belt. Ah, the Corn Belt. Iowa, Illinois, all that good stuff. Heart of it all. Yeah. Super productive soil, reliable rain, the whole works. And I bet infrastructure is top notch too, right? Grain elevators, processing plants, all that. Exactly. Sounds like a recipe for success. Sounds expensive too. Yeah.

Uh-huh. You got that right. High demand, high productivity. It all ends up. Yeah. So maybe not for the beginner farmer. Unless you've got deep pockets. Right. If you're looking for value, the Delta region might be more your speed. The Delta down south, right? Nope. Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana.

Lower land costs, but still tons of potential. Hmm. Okay. What kind of crops do well down there? Cotton, rice, soybeans, that kind of thing. Oh, yeah. Stuff that liked it hot and wet. Exactly. Long growing season, tons of water from the Mississippi River. Sounds good.

But there's got to be a catch. Well, you've got to factor in things like flooding. Right, right. And potential environmental concerns, you know, from runoff. Yeah, that makes sense. The lower cost, but more environmental considerations. A trade-off, for sure. Okay, so we've got the Corn Belt for high rollers, the Delta for the value hunters. Right, right. Any other contenders? Oh, yeah, some big ones. California and the Pacific Northwest. Oh, wow. Okay, completely different vibes there. For sure. Yeah.

California, well, everyone knows about their produce. Yeah, it's like world famous. Water is a huge issue there, especially with all the droughts they've been having. Yeah, I've heard about that. Water rights are like gold in California. And the land itself is pricey too. Makes sense. High reward, high risk, high cost. That's California. So what about the Pacific Northwest? Apples and what else? Apples, cherries, berries, timber too.

Cooler climate, perfect for that stuff. Oh, yeah. Plus, it's just beautiful up there. Great for agritourism. Hmm, sounds nice. Downside. Well, water can be an issue in some spots like California. Okay. And the regulations are, let's just say, complicated. Sounds about right. All right, so we've got the Corn Belt for high productivity, the Delta for value, California for like gourmet everything. Uh-huh, pretty much. And the Pacific Northwest for...

Well, all the delicious things that get cool. Makes sense. Are we missing any major players? We can't forget about the Great Plains. Ah, the Great Plains. Now, that's a huge E area. Right. Think Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska. Okay. Yeah, that's a lot of ground. What's their deal? Well, it's kind of a balanced approach. Balanced how so? Moderate land prices, strong grain production, especially wheat. Okay, that's solid. Plus they're big on beef.

Hmm. Not a bad mix at all. So, steady, reliable, what's the catch? Water availability can be a concern, especially out west. Yeah, that makes sense. Dry out there. Relying on the Ogalla Aquifer.

And that's not exactly a bottomless well. Right, right. So got to be mindful of that. Absolutely. Do your homework on water rights and irrigation. Smart move. Yeah. Now, I'm curious about those AI deep searches. You said they were tailored to specific criteria, right? Yep. Affordability, low taxes, landlord-friendly laws. Yeah. You know, your wish list. Oh, yeah. Good stuff. And what did those searches dig up? Spill the beans. All right. So both searches pointed to three states in particular. OK. Hit me. Oklahoma, Idaho, and Texas.

and South Dakota. Interesting. Oklahoma again. Right. Seems like it might be worth a closer look. Yeah, for sure. So what about Idaho and South Dakota? How do they stack up against Oklahoma? What's their story? Well, both searches pointed us toward Oklahoma, Idaho, and South Dakota.

Oklahoma in particular seems to tick all the boxes. Affordable land, low taxes and a robust agricultural sector. It's interesting how Oklahoma keeps coming up. It really seems to be striking that balance we talked about. Between affordability and growth. Yeah. And it's not just the AI searches either. Remember that YouTube video, the one with the cheapest states? Oklahoma was on that list too. Oh, right. I forgot about that.

And those research reports, they highlighted Oklahoma as a key player in the Great Plains. Diverse ag economy, growing renewable energy. Yeah, starting to see a pattern here. So it seems like Oklahoma is worth a closer look. Definitely. But what about those other states the search has found, Idaho and South Dakota? How do they compare to Oklahoma? Well, Idaho is interesting.

Super low property taxes, even lower than Oklahoma's. Wow. OK. And they've got a strong ag industry, especially potatoes and grains. Potatoes and grains. Those are pretty essential, right? So I guess the demand is always there. Yeah, pretty much. And that consistent demand, it can mean stable returns for investors. OK, so Idaho has low taxes.

and a reliable ag sector. What about South Dakota? What are its strengths? South Dakota is kind of a mix of affordability and a growing ag economy. OK. Taxes aren't as low as Idaho or Oklahoma, but still pretty reasonable. And the state has seen a surge in agricultural activity lately. Is there anything like

unique about South Dakota's agriculture? They're big on livestock, especially cattle ranching. Oh, so if you're looking to get into the cattle business. South Dakota might be a good option, yeah. But of course, as with any state, do your due diligence, you know. Research the local market. Absolutely.

It's all about finding the state that matches your goals. And your risk tolerance. Can't forget that. Right. And that's why having all these sources is so helpful. We can get a really well-rounded picture. Yeah, exactly. See what each state has to offer. Speaking of what each state has to offer. Yeah. Those AI searches, they threw in a little twist. Remember those ultra-affordable states? Wyoming and Nevada? Yep. They popped up in the searches again? No way.

Really? But there's a catch. Let me guess. It's their smaller ag sectors, what we were talking about before. Bingo. Yeah. Super affordable up front, but they might not grow as fast as some of the other states. Yeah. Makes sense. It's that trade-off again. Lower cost, potentially slower appreciation. Yep.

Got to weigh those factors carefully. All right, let's switch gears a bit. Let's talk about pasture land investing. Oh, pasture land. Yeah. A whole different ballgame. We touched on it earlier, but one of those deep searches, investing in U.S. pasture land...

had some really interesting insights, specifically for this type of land. Yeah, that one was a gold mine of information, really dug deep into the nuances of pasture land. So what were some of the key takeaways for you? Well, first off, it just confirmed how affordable pasture land is compared to cropland across the board, really. But especially in those states we keep talking about, Oklahoma, Idaho, South Dakota. Right, right. Wyoming and Nevada too, of course. Those are the cheapest of the cheap. So if you want the most bang for your buck,

acreage wise pasture land is the way to go could be yeah and don't forget lower property taxes too usually oh right right that's a nice bonus are there any other uh what advantages to pasture land besides being affordable i mean well it generally requires less management than cropland oh for sure for sure no planting no harvesting no messing around with fertilizers less hands-on way less you could lease it out to a rancher and just relax sounds pretty good to me

Any downsides, though? Well, the biggest risk is land degradation. If it's not managed properly, things can go south pretty quick. What, like overgrazing? Exactly. That can lead to soil erosion, weeds. It's a mess. So you've got to pick your tenants carefully. Oh, absolutely. Make sure they know what they're doing. And have a good lease agreement. Yep.

That's crucial. Protects your investment. Make sure everyone's on the same page. What other risks should we be aware of? Well, livestock prices can fluctuate, you know. Right. Supply and demand, all that. Exactly. And that can impact how much rent you can charge. So income might not always be steady. Yep. Just something to keep in mind.

And of course, like with any land investment, there's always the risk of unforeseen events. Like natural disasters, new regulations. All that fun stuff. It's part of the game. So it sounds like due diligence is key. Oh, absolutely. Research, research, research. Can't emphasize that enough. Right. Speaking of research, one of our sources did a deep dive into pasture land investing in a specific state, Oklahoma. Oh, right, right. The Oklahoma pasture land industry.

Investment and Leasing Guide. That's the one. What were some of the highlights for you? Well, it really hammered home Oklahoma's strong livestock industry, the affordable land prices, the low property taxes, all that good stuff. We've touched on those already, but it's good to see it all in one place, specifically about Oklahoma. Yeah, and it talked about the potential for appreciation, too. Apparently, land values have been increasing steadily. So good for the long haul. Could be, yeah.

But, of course, there are always risks, like we were talking about before, land degradation, fluctuating livestock prices. Got to be mindful of those. So it's not a sure thing, but it seems like Oklahoma pastureland offers a pretty good combination. Affordability and potential. Yeah. Oh, for sure. For sure. Yeah.

And the guide had some great advice on the practical side of things too, like how to find tenants, set rental rates, draft lease agreements. - Oh, that's super helpful for anyone who's new to this. - Right, it's like a roadmap.

And it even mentions something we haven't talked about yet, the potential for leasing land for renewable energy projects. Oh, that's right. Something about wind farms in Oklahoma. Exactly. They need land and some landowners are leasing out their pasture for wind turbines. So another potential income stream on top of grazing leases. Yep.

Just goes to show farmland isn't just about traditional uses anymore. It's evolving. Got to keep up with the times. Exactly. Now, let's zoom back out a bit. Go back to those deep searches that looked at the bigger picture. OK, what do they tell us? Well, one big theme was the importance of the legal stuff, you know, the laws and regulations around farmland. Oh, right, right. Not always the most exciting topic, but definitely important. For sure.

And the searches highlighted some key concepts. Have you ever heard of right to farm laws? Right to farm. Can't say that I have. What's that about?

So these laws are meant to protect farmers from nuisance lawsuits. Nuisance lawsuits? From who? From neighbors, mostly. People who move in next to a farm and then complain about the smell, the noise. Oh, right, right. City folk move into the country? Exactly. And these laws basically say, hey, this is a farm. It's going to smell. It's going to be noisy. Deal with it. Okay.

I like that. So the farmer can keep on farming without worrying about getting sued? Exactly. It's especially important in areas where you have that mix of urban and rural. Like Oklahoma, right? Yep. And those searches also emphasized water rights, especially in those drier states. Water rights. Man, that sounds complicated. It can be. Basically, it's the legal right to use water from a specific source, like a river, a lake, an aquifer. Okay, so if I own farmland...

I need to make sure I have the right to use the water, right, for irrigation, for livestock. Exactly. And these rights, they can be different in every state. Sometimes they're tied to the land. Sometimes they're separate. That's more research to do. Always. And don't forget about property taxes. They can be a real drag. Oh, right.

But weren't the AI searches looking for states with low property taxes? They were. That's why Oklahoma, Idaho and South Dakota were at the top of the list. They've got relatively low rates compared to a lot of other states. Good to know. Any other tax related stuff we should keep in mind? Yeah. A lot of states give special treatment to agricultural land.

Tax-wise, they might assess it at a lower rate or offer breaks for certain activities. Oh, really? So owning farmland can actually have some tax advantages. It can. But you've got to know the rules. Sometimes you have to meet certain conditions to qualify. Like actually using the land for agriculture, not just letting it sit there. Exactly. And like we were talking about earlier, holding land unused, it can lead to other problems, too. Missed income opportunities, land degradation. Yep, all that fun stuff. Better to keep it active.

It seems like there are a lot of moving parts to farmland investing, but I'm starting to see the appeal. Oh, yeah. What's catching your eye? It's a tangible asset, you know, something real.

And it has the potential to generate income, go up in value. Plus, it's connected to something bigger, you know, like feeding people, the environment. Absolutely. It's not just about making money. It's about being part of something important. Exactly. Now let's dive back into those prime regions we talked about earlier. Each one has its own pros and cons, its own personality almost.

It's like choosing a neighborhood, right? They all have a different vibe. Uh-huh. Yeah, kind of. One that really stood out to me was the Midwest, that corn belt, you know, the classic image of American farmland. I know it's expensive, but there's just something so iconic about it. The corn belt is like the breadbasket of America for sure. Fertile soil, reliable rain, and the infrastructure is top notch. It's a well-oiled machine. It is. And the demand for those crops, corn and soybeans, it's always high. So

Pretty stable returns. But probably not the best for someone looking for a bargain. Not really. It's a mature market. Land values are already sky high. So more for the experienced investor, maybe. Someone with deep pockets. Yeah, probably. If you're looking for explosive growth, the Corn Belt might not be the best bet. Okay, so the Corn Belt is for those who are looking for a reliable, established market.

What about the Delta region? What are its strengths and weaknesses? The Delta is kind of the underdog, you know? Really? How so? Well, it's

It's often overlooked, but it has a lot to offer. Lower land prices, long growing season. Lots of water. Tons of water. Thanks to the Mississippi River, it's a great place to grow things like cotton, rice, soybeans. Are those crops in as high demand as corn and soybeans? Demand can fluctuate a bit more, but they're still important commodities. And the Delta's lower land costs, that can be a big draw for investors. So it's a bit more of a gamble than the Corn Belt, but the potential payoff could be bigger. Could be, yeah.

But got to remember, higher risk usually goes hand in hand with higher potential reward. It's always a balancing act. Right. And we can't forget about those specific concerns in the Delta. Flooding, environmental issues. Right, right. Got to factor those in. Okay. So lower land costs, but potentially higher risks. What about the Great Plains? How does that region stack up? The Great Plains is a mixed bag for sure. Huge area, lots of variation. From Kansas to Nebraska. Yep.

They've got a strong tradition of grain production, especially wheat. And they're big on livestock too. Lots of cattle ranching going on. Plus, didn't you mention something about renewable energy in the Great Plains? Oh, right. They've got tons of wind farms popping up, wide open spaces, perfect for that kind of thing. So another potential income stream for farmland investors. Exactly. And land values are generally more moderate than in the Corn Belt or the Delta. So kind of a middle ground.

Yeah, I'd say so. Not the cheapest, but not the priciest either. It's kind of a sweet spot, maybe. But we got to remember those water issues. Yeah. Especially out west. Oh, for sure. That Ogalla aquifer, it's not going to last forever. Got to be mindful of that. All right. So the Great Plains, moderate prices, diverse agriculture, but...

Keep an eye on the water situation. Exactly. Now, what about the Mountain West? We haven't talked about that region much. The Mountain West. Oh, yeah. That's where you have those stunning landscapes, mountains, wide open spaces. Yep. Montana, Wyoming, Idaho. I bet farmland is super expensive there, right? Yeah. With all the scenery and recreation. Actually, no. Land values in the Mountain West are generally lower than in a lot of other regions. Really? That's surprising. Why is that?

Well, it's a pretty remote area and the climate can be harsh. Oh, right. So not everyone's cut out for that kind of life, but for those who are, it can be a great opportunity. So lower land costs, but maybe more challenging conditions. Yeah, it's a trade-off. And water can be an issue in some parts, especially those that rely heavily on irrigation. Okay, so water, again, it's a recurring theme. It is. And what kind of agriculture are we talking about in the Mountain West? Well, they're big on ranching. Cattle country. Cattle country.

Montana, Wyoming. Lots of cows out there. So another option for those who want to get into the cattle business. Definitely. And they also grow a lot of hay, barley, alfalfa. Okay, so it's not just cows. Nope. And the Mountain West is growing in popularity. You know, more people are moving there, more interest in outdoor recreation. Driving up demand for land. Exactly. So it could be a good long-term investment. All right, so the Mountain West. Affordable land, beautiful scenery,

But be mindful of the climate and water. Makes sense. Now let's circle back to pasture land for a bit. It's been a hot topic lately. It has, and for good reason. Seems like it has a lot going for it.

It does. More affordable than cropland requires less management. Near taxes. Right. And it can be surprisingly resilient to market fluctuations. So a good option for someone looking for a stable long-term investment. Could be, yeah. And remember, there's potential for additional income streams too, like those wind farms in Oklahoma or even agritourism. Right, right. Multiple ways to make money. Exactly. But of course, got to be mindful of the risks too.

Land degradation, that's a big one. Overgrazing. Yep. Pick your tenants carefully, make sure they know what they're doing. And have a solid lease agreement. Crucial. And those fluctuating livestock prices, can't forget about those. They can impact your rental income.

So got to do your research on the livestock market too. Yep. Due diligence is key no matter what. Okay. So pasture land, lots of potential, but got to be smart about it. Exactly. Now let's talk about some specific states that are really shining when it comes to pasture land investing. All right. Hit me. Well, Oklahoma, that's the obvious one. We've been singing its praises all day. Seems like they've got it all figured out. Pretty much. Affordable land, strong livestock industry, supportive legal framework.

It's a winner. That Oklahoma pasture land guide was pretty convincing. It was. And they've got data to back it up. Land values have been on the rise. So good potential for appreciation. Seems like it, yeah. But got to remember those risks, of course. Land degradation, market fluctuations. Always got to be aware of those. Right, right. It's not all sunshine and rainbows. Nope. But Oklahoma pasture land does seem like a

pretty solid bet all right what other states are on your radar south dakota's another one that's looking good south kota we talked about it earlier right strong livestock industry low taxes yep and they've got a reputation for having well-managed grasslands which is a big plus so good for the environment too exactly and their climate's pretty stable which is good for livestock makes sense extreme weather can't be good for cows nope plus

Plus, South Dakota is right in the middle of the country, you know? Good for transporting livestock and ag products. Oh, yeah. That's a good point. Logistics are important. They are. So, yeah, South Dakota is looking pretty good. All right. So, Oklahoma and South Dakota, those are your top picks. For pasture land, yeah, I'd say so. Of course, got to do your own research, see what fits your needs. Always. Yeah. What about Idaho? We talked about it earlier. Low taxes, strong ag economy. Idaho is a good one, too.

Tons of wide open space, beautiful scenery. Low property taxes too, right?

It's super low. And they've got a thriving livestock industry. Cattle, sheep. So it's a good mix. It is. And Idaho's growing like crazy. More people moving in, more tourism. That usually means good things for land values. Right. So there's definitely potential there. But water can be an issue in some parts. Oh, right. Of course. That seems to be the case everywhere. It's something you're always going to be aware of. And with climate change, it's probably going to get even more important. Yeah, good point.

Got to think long term. Always. Now, remember those super cheap states, Wyoming and Nevada? Bargain bin. Yeah, they're still out there, super affordable, but maybe not the best growth potential. Because of their smaller ag sectors. Yep.

If you're in it for the quick flip, those states might not be the best bet. But if you're playing the long game... And you're comfortable with a slower pace. Exactly. But even within those states, there's variation. You know, some land is better than others. Water availability can be different. So due diligence is even more important in those less established markets. Oh, absolutely. You really got to do your homework. All right. So we've covered a lot of ground here state-wise. Now, what about the bigger picture of pasture land investing?

What are some of the key decisions someone needs to make? Well, one of the first things you got to decide is how involved you want to be, you know, hands on or hands off. Oh, yeah, that's a good point. It's not just about buying the land. It's about how you're going to use it. Exactly. Some people like to get their hands dirty. Others prefer to sit back and collect the rent. So what kind of factors would influence that decision? Well,

Your own interests and skills, for one. If you know a lot about ranching or livestock, you might enjoy the challenge of running your own operation. So you could actually have your own cattle on your pastureland?

You could, but it's a lot of work. You know, you got to know what you're doing. Right, right. What about for those of us who don't know the first thing about cows? Leasing is always a good option. Find a reliable rancher. Let them handle the day to day. Less stress, less hassle. Exactly. And a good lease agreement will protect you. Make sure everything's done right. So finding the right tenant is key. Crucial. It can make or break your investment.

Now, what about the market itself? What are some of the challenges and opportunities facing pastoral land investors today?

Well, one big challenge is competition for land. Everyone wants a piece of the pie, you know, agriculture, housing, renewable energy. It's a hot market. It is. And that can push up prices, make it harder to find good deals. So pastureland is not immune to the laws of supply and demand. Nope. And it can also lead to conflicts, you know, like a rancher might be competing with the developer who wants to build houses. Oh, right.

That's a tough situation. It is. So you got to be aware of those dynamics. What about opportunities? Anything new and exciting happening in the pasture land world? One thing that's really gaining traction is regenerative agriculture. Regenerative agriculture. That's a new one. What's that all about?

It's basically a way of farming and ranching that focuses on improving the health of the land. Oh, okay. So it's about more than just making a profit. Exactly. It's about soil health, biodiversity, all that good stuff. And consumers are starting to care about it, too. So there's a market for it. There is.

And pasture land plays a big role in regenerative agriculture. Well-managed grazing, it can actually improve soil health, even capture carbon from the atmosphere. Wow. OK. So it's like good for the planet A and D, good for business. Exactly. It's a win-win. And that's what impact investing is all about, you know, making money while making a difference. I like that. So

You could invest in a pastureland operation that's using these regenerative practices. You could. And there are funds and platforms that specialize in that kind of thing. So you can align your investments with your values. Exactly. It's a powerful concept. It is.

Now let's shift gears a bit and talk about something that can be a real headache for farmland investors. The legal stuff. Ah, yes. The legal stuff. Can't get away from it, can we? Nope. We've talked about right to farm laws earlier. What other legal things should we be aware of? Well, water rights. That's a big one.

especially in those drier states. We've touched on that, but it's worth repeating. It is. And the rules around water, they can be super complicated, different in every state. So you really got to do your research on that. Absolutely. And zoning regulations, too. Those can be a pain. Zoning. That's like what you can and can't do with the land, right? Yep.

Yep. Whether you can build on it, what kind of businesses you can run. So you could buy a piece of land thinking it's perfect for your plans and then zoning says nope. Exactly. And then there are environmental regulations, pesticide use, grazing practices. Man, it sounds like a minefield.

It can be. That's why it's always a good idea to talk to a lawyer who specializes in agricultural law. Oh yeah, good point. Get an expert on your side. Exactly. And of course, those pesky property taxes, we gotta talk about those. They always come back to bite you. They do. And they can be different everywhere. Some states assess land on market value, others use a different method. So more research to do. Yep. Gotta know how they calculate those taxes in your area. And

and see if there are any tax breaks for agricultural land. Oh, right, right. You mentioned that some states offer those. They do. It can really make a difference in your bottom line. So talk to a tax advisor, see what's out there. All right, so we've covered the legal stuff, the financial stuff, but let's not forget about the human side of all this. Oh, yeah, that's important. It's easy to get caught up in the numbers, you know.

But farmland, it's not just an investment. It's connected to real people, real communities. Absolutely. Farmers, ranchers, families who've been working the land for generations. That's a way of life. It is. And we need to respect that.

When we invest in farmland, we're becoming part of that community, that tradition. That's a good way to look at it. It's about more than just making money. Right. It's about supporting a way of life, ensuring that those farms and ranches can keep going. We need them, right? They're the ones feeding us. Exactly. And taking care of the land. It's a huge responsibility. It is. I think sometimes we forget about that. We go to the store.

buy our food, and don't even think about where it came from. It's easy to become disconnected, yeah. But farmland investing, it can help bridge that gap. Well, you become part of the system, you know? You have a stake in the success of those farms. You learn about the challenges they face. So it's an education, too. It can be.

And it helps you understand that farmland is more than just an asset. It's a living, breathing ecosystem. Right. It's providing food, but it's also doing all these other things. Exactly. Purifying water, capturing carbon, providing habitat for wildlife.

It's amazing. It's like farmland is secretly keeping our planet alive. In a way, yeah. So when you invest in farmland, you're supporting all of that. It's a good feeling. It is. Makes you feel like you're part of something bigger. Right. And there are ways to invest that specifically target those environmental and social benefits.

you know, impact investing. Oh, yeah. I've heard about that. Investing in things that make a positive difference. Exactly. And that's starting to happen in the farmland world, too. So you could invest in a farm that's using sustainable practices or working to conserve water or protect wildlife. Exactly. And there are funds that are specifically looking for those kinds of investments.

Wow, that's pretty cool. So you can make MoneyND feel good about it. Exactly. It's a win-win. Well, I think we've covered a lot of ground in this deep dive. We have, from market trends to legal issues to the human side of agriculture. It's been a real eye-opener for me. I'm glad to hear that. Hopefully our listener is feeling the same way. Me too. So to our listener, as you keep exploring this world of farmland investing, remember to keep an open mind, do your research, and ask lots of questions. And trust your gut.

Choose investments that feel right for you, both financially and ethically. That's great advice. And on that note, we'll wrap up this deep dive. Thanks for joining us. It's easy to get caught up in the numbers, you know, but farmland, it's not just an investment. It's connected to real people, real communities. Absolutely. Farmers, ranchers, families who've been working the land for generations.

It's a way of life. It is. And we need to respect that. When we invest in farmland, we're becoming part of that community, that tradition. That's a good way to look at it. It's about more than just making money. Right. It's about supporting a way of life, ensuring that those farms and ranches can keep going. And we need them, right? They're the ones feeding us. Exactly. And taking care of the land.

It's a huge responsibility. It is. I think sometimes we forget about that. We go to the store, buy our food, and don't even think about where it came from. It's easy to become disconnected. Yeah. Yeah. But farmland investing, it can help bridge that gap. How so? Well, you become part of the system, you know? You have a stake in the success of those farms. You learn about the challenges they face. So it's an education, too. It can be.

And it helps you understand that farmland is more than just an asset. It's a living, breathing ecosystem. Right. It's providing food, but it's also doing all these other things. Exactly. Purifying water, capturing carbon, providing habitat for wildlife. It's amazing. Like farmland is secretly keeping our planet alive. In a way. Yeah. So when you invest in farmland, you're supporting all of that. It's a good feeling. It is. Makes you feel like you're part of something bigger. Right.

And there are ways to invest that specifically target those environmental and social benefits, you know, impact investing. Oh, yeah. I've heard about that. Investing in things that make a positive difference. Exactly. And that's starting to happen in the farmland world, too. So you could invest in a farm that's using sustainable practices or working to conserve water or protect wildlife. Exactly. And there are funds that are specifically looking for those kinds of investments.

Wow, that's pretty cool. So you can make money and feel good about it. Exactly. It's a win-win. Well, I think we've covered a lot of ground in this deep dive. We have, from market trends to legal issues to the human side of agriculture. It's been a real eye-opener for me. I'm glad to hear that. Hopefully our listener is feeling the same way. Me too. So to our listeners, you keep exploring this world of farmland and pastureland investing. Remember to keep an open mind, do your research, and ask lots of questions. And trust your gut.

Choose investments that feel right for you, both financially and ethically. That's great advice. And on that note, we'll wrap up this deep dive. Thanks for joining us.