Farmland is a unique investment that may have started as a way of life with your parents or grandparents.  So many children have left the farming community to pursue other interests.  As relatives become more senior, the operation of the farm and as equally as important – the estate planning - needs to be addressed to protect the investment for future generations.  So many farms and ranches sell because the heirs are not up on the current investment
strategies available.

Several ideas to consider include:

The management of:

• Current leases –  negotiate to market rates to maximize the income potential
• Budgeting for maintenance – elimination of surprises
• Improvements such as irrigation systems and the farmstead  
• Have hunting leases been investigated?
• Do you have a farm or ranch strategic plan?  

Protection of the land through proper estate planning

• Agricultural education for heirs on current farm and ranch practices.
• Assisting senior relatives with the management of the farm or ranch without compromising your busy schedule.
• Preparing for the day when one of your relatives pass – is the farm in the proper estate vehicle for easier tax management , ownership transition and protected from the "quick" sale?