Posted: Tuesday, April 09, 2024
Author: Vinny Delgado, Partner, Ranch Sales | Licensed in MT
Dear Vinny,
I’ve got my eye on this farm that seems perfect for what I want to do—the land seems very suitable for farming. But here’s the thing, its historical performance isn’t exactly stellar. It’s got me scratching my head, wondering if it’s all down to the folks who ran it before just not doing a great job or if I’m missing a piece of the puzzle. From your experience, should I be worried about this history, or do you think it’s more about poor management in the past?
Dear Performance,
Several factors could affect the overall productivity of the farm you are looking at. Drought, poor soil conditions, or even grasshoppers can affect production yields. If you have a farming background, I would advise going with your gut and chalk it up as poor management. If you don't, often a neighbor can explain why something is not working. There are also several consulting/seed companies that could assist you in coming to a conclusion. I am always a proponent of a second opinion; either way, best of luck with your purchase.