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MSU seeks input on farmland leasing and ownership challenges

MSU seeks input on farmland leasing and ownership challenges


By Andi Anderson

Farming is a demanding journey, from spring tillage to the final harvest. But one of the biggest hurdles can occur even before the first seed is planted—gaining access to farmland. In Michigan, many aspiring and retiring farmers are facing difficulties in buying, leasing, or transferring farmland. To better understand and address these challenges, Michigan State University and MIFarmLink are inviting farmers to participate in a brief survey.

This survey is part of a joint research project funded by a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grant. The goal is to gather insights on the barriers to farmland access and to develop tools that can improve negotiation and land transition outcomes.

According to recent SARE-funded research, 39% of farmers who do not have heirs would prefer to pass on their land to a non-family farmer rather than sell it for non-farming use—even if that means earning less money. This shows a strong interest in keeping farmland in cultivation and supporting the next generation of producers.

However, current processes for transferring land are often complicated, unclear, and lack the necessary support. This is where programs like MIFarmLink step in. By offering resources and guidance, these programs aim to connect retiring farmers with beginning farmers, creating a pathway for smooth and successful land transitions.

Farmers who have experienced challenges in finding land or passing it on are encouraged to share their experiences through the survey. Your input can help shape better strategies and support tools.

Take the survey today at:

https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0cQtPm4vPD6V2TQ

“We want to hear directly from farmers to create real solutions,” say the organizers.

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu

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Categories: Michigan, Business

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