Among the multitude of things you can do with a piece of property, farming is one that can be rewarding in many ways. Whether a landowner wants to plant crops or raise livestock, there are many ways to use a property agriculturally. On top of all that, there are federal tax benefits provided the necessary guidelines are followed.
What Crops Can I Farm On My Land?
Planting crops is probably the type of agriculture that comes to mind when someone thinks of “farming”. The most important thing when considering crops is to properly choose crops that work with the soil on the property. It wouldn’t take long to figure out that rice won’t grow in a desert or orange trees in the mountains. With modern, genetically-modified seeds, more and more area are becoming suitable for plants that otherwise wouldn’t be able to survive in an area. However, it is best to look at what other farmers are growing in the area and follow suit. Below is a map of the U.S. with general farming categories labeled in their respective areas.
Water is paramount for crops, so carefully review the water supply options prior to embarking on crops. Ensure that the amount of yearly rainfall and the water table thresholds are accommodating for the types of crops desired. If water is not readily available, irrigation ditches can be dug to route water from other areas, however, property rights need to be respected and neighboring landowners need to be informed of your plans.
If The Soil Isn’t Fertile, Can I Still Farm On My Land?
Another option is livestock. If the land isn’t especially fertile, raising livestock can be equally as rewarding without the hassle of irrigation or worries of early frosts. Certain considerations need to be taken into account like how arid the area is, whether the livestock can withstand the weather, and will it be economical to truck in water and food if it’s not readily available. Fencing will be a must, along with the continued maintenance of that fence to ensure that your prized livestock stays where it’s supposed to.
The last piece of the puzzle is to ensure that the property is zoned agricultural. The zoning code will also outline the size of the structures that can be placed on the property and may limit the type of crops grown or livestock owned.
Delving into the world of farming is a big step. A farmer will never say their work is easy, but it is something that is done for the love of the practice and the land.