Landowners, potential buyers can be linked up in new Extension program

    A new Nebraska Extension program will work to connect new and beginning farmers and ranchers with retiring landowners who are interested in transitioning their land.
    Nebraska Land Link’s goal is to provide land access using lease agreements, lease-to-own arrangements, buy-sell arrangements or other methods that are mutually beneficial for both parties.
    Access to land continues to be one of the most difficult challenges facing new farmers, according to Allan Vyhnalek, an extension educator for farm and ranch succession who will manage the program.
    “The high cost of land, livestock and equipment makes it difficult for beginning farmers to purchase these capital assets,” Vyhnalek said.
    “And many landowners who are asset-rich and cash-poor need to earn income for retirement from their land, equipment and livestock, while transitioning away from the labor and management of their operation,” he said.
    After an interested land seeker or landowner applies to Nebraska Land Link, the application will be vetted by extension personnel, who will guide participants through the process of finding a match and provide educational support along the way.
    Landowners will have opportunities to interview and review land seekers’ applications, and screen for shared values, skills and interests.
    Information about the program can be found at farm.unl.edu/landlink. It is open to operations of any size and is free for Nebraskans.
    For people located outside of the state, a fee of $30 for land seekers and $50 for landowners will be applied.

 

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