By Andi Anderson
Farming is demanding, from planting to harvest, but gaining access to farmland can be just as challenging. To better understand these struggles, Michigan State University and MIFarmLink are inviting farmers to participate in a survey that focuses on farmland access through leasing, purchasing, or land transfer.
This survey is part of a joint research project funded by a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grant. The project’s goal is to identify common obstacles that limit farmland transactions and to develop new tools and strategies that improve negotiation processes between landowners and seekers.
These efforts will support smoother transitions, keeping farmland in active use for future generations.
Research funded by SARE highlights the urgency of this work. Nearly 39% of farmers without heirs said they would prefer to transfer their land to a non-relative farmer instead of selling it off, even if it meant earning less money.
This trend underscores the importance of farm link programs that connect retiring farmers with beginning farmers and provide guidance, services, and information to make land transfers successful.
The survey offers farmers an opportunity to share their personal experiences with farmland access—whether they involve financial hurdles, leasing difficulties, or succession planning challenges. By gathering feedback, MSU and MIFarmLink aim to design practical support programs that reflect real-world barriers and solutions.
Farmers who have experienced roadblocks in accessing or passing on farmland are encouraged to take a few minutes to complete the survey. Responses will directly inform the creation of strategies that help keep farmland in cultivation and strengthen rural communities.
The survey can be accessed online at: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0cQtPm4vPD6V2TQ
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Michigan, General