Agricultural Property Listings Basics

Agricultural property listings offer businesses the land and information they need
By Sandy Baker Each state defines what agricultural property is within the state. Generally, it is a parcel used as a farm or ranch. It can also be forestland of a sizable amount, usually 30 or more acres. It may also be a large parcel, more than 80 acres in size, with no residential improvements.
 

Agricultural properties for sale include agricultural land, irrigated or dry farm land, grazing or meadow hay land, forestland or land under a perpetual conservation easement. Properties for sale are sold by private owner or through holding companies. When investing, consider the following:

1. Buy farm land for sale to use as it is currently being used, such as for raising crops or livestock.

2. Invest in rural land for development based on the current or proposed zoning for the property.

3. Purchase agricultural properties to hold and resell at a higher value as an investor.

Decide if the agricultural property for sale meets your purpose

Ranch acreage listings may include fish or aquaculture, livestock operations, horse farms, vegetable farms, row crops or orchards. Rural land includes timber investments, minerals or oil reserves and open space. New investments in green uses include alternative energy development areas and organic produce farms.
Try: Choose based on current use and future goals. LandAndFarm offers agricultural business listings for a variety of properties. They provide for private sale and investors looking for property. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides rural development and farm and ranch services including loan programs, available properties and requirements for properties.

Find rural land for sale through real estate agents or private sellers

Farm land, ranches, conservations and other types of agricultural property is sold through private listings and real estate agent listings. Private owners are often seeking investors to help fund the business already in place, or hope to sell the property. Agents represent sellers and may provide more formal listings. Both should be considered when buying rural or farm land. The standard Realtor's MLS is not as effective for large acreages of land.
Try: Locate farms for sale through trusted real estate agents and management companies including listing services such as Capital Agricultural Property Services. The company offers consulting, real estate brokerage, auctions, appraisals and other services. Use companies like Land Incorporated to find properties listed by private owners and agents.

Gather third party resources to learn more about agricultural property listings basics

Farm land listings and rural property require further investigating prior to making a purchase. Gather additional information about any listing through the services available online.
Try: Work with professionals and government organizations for more information on a ranch acreage listing or other properties. The Farm Service Agency is a department of the federal government providing a number of programs for the purchase and function of agricultural land, including providing loan programs. Use the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers for help in appraising property listings.

• Agricultural property listings may not be accurate. Until an appraisal is complete, work with a real estate agent, attorney and title agent for the sale of property that is rural, conservation, forestland or farmland.