By Andi Anderson
Accessing farmland can be a major challenge for both new farmers and landowners. High rental rates, strong competition for farmland, limited availability of suitable properties, and increasing pressure from non-farm development often make land access difficult. Recognizing these challenges, MIFarmLink and Michigan State University Extension have launched a new educational video series to help farmers and landowners better understand the land access process and available support resources.
The video series was developed through a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Partnership grant. The project focuses on identifying common issues that delay or prevent farmland transfer agreements in Michigan. It also aims to connect farmers and landowners with resources that can support successful land acquisition, farm succession, and farmland preservation.
One of the featured topics explores conservation easements. In the video, Jill Dohner, MIFarmLink Representative, talks with Rosie Pahl Donaldson, Ann Arbor Greenbelt Program Representative, about the question, “what are conservation easements?” The discussion explains how conservation easements can help preserve agricultural land and create opportunities for future farming operations.
Another important section of the series focuses on the role of Land Transfer Navigators. Jill Dohner, MIFarmLink Representative, interviews Becky Huttenga, Michigan Land Transfer Navigator, and Will Manty, Michigan Land Transfer Navigator, about farmland access, succession planning, farmland protection, and the services available to both new and retiring farmers. The videos address topics such as “What are Land Transfer Navigators?”, “When to use a Land Transfer Navigator?”, and “How do navigators help bridge the gap between new and retiring farmers?” They also explain the typical land transfer process and highlight available support resources. The Land Transfer Navigator program is led by the American Farmland Trust with support from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The series also emphasizes the importance of soft skills. Effective communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving can play a key role in securing farmland opportunities. In one video, Cheyenne Sloan, MSU Extension Educator, moderates a discussion with Chris Bardenhagen, MSU Extension Educator, and a local farmer about how interpersonal skills can support successful farmland access.
Leasing farmland is another key topic. Cheyenne Sloan, MSU Extension Educator, joins Chris Bardenhagen, MSU Extension Educator, and Jonathan LaPorte, MSU Extension Educator, to discuss practical lease negotiation strategies, important lease agreement components, and common mistakes to avoid.
The final video summarizes survey findings collected during 2025 from farmers and landowners. The survey identified common barriers to farmland access and helped guide the development of educational resources. A downloadable handout is also available to help viewers better understand the findings.
Through this comprehensive video series, farmers and landowners can gain valuable knowledge, practical tools, and expert guidance to successfully navigate farmland access, leasing, succession planning, and land transfer challenges.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle