Introduction TO FARMLAND INVESTMENT GUIDE

In this guide, you will find the key benefits and risks associated with investing in farmland, the various avenues available and other factors you should consider before taking ownership in a farm.Historically, investing in farmland is a smart move, with returns averaging  11.5%. However, finding investment farmland can be a difficult process, and the high cost and complexity associated with owning and managing farmland can act as a deterrent. This guide was created in hopes that we can help you take advantage of this high-profit potential asset class, confidently.

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1 - WHY INVEST IN FARMLAND

farmland is in DEMAND

With food demand expected to increase up to 98% by 2050, agricultural markets will be changing like we haven’t seen before. Farmers across the globe will need to increase crop production by expanding the amount of farmland being utilized and by enhancing productivity on existing land. Farmland is truly the most important asset in the world. This is why considering ownership in farmland can be an extremely beneficial move. They don’t make anymore  of it!

  • By 2050 the world population will grow to over 10 billion people.

  • In addition to 3 billion more people, the middle class will grow at an unprecedented rate.

  • An additional 3 billion people will enter the middle class causing food demand to sky rocket. This will all have to be accomplished on less farmland.

  • The U.S. alone loses almost 500,000 acres of farmland a year.That’s a loss of nearly 15,000,000 acres of farmland by 2050.

  • The average U.S. farmers age is 58. As more and more farmers reach the retirement age, a large portion of land will change hands supplying the market with a great opportunity to invest in farmland.

BENEFITS of investing in farmland

There is no better asset to own than one that increases in value over time and keeps pace with inflation. What if you could invest in something tangible that produces worldwide benefits? According to one study, one of the last things people are willing to cut from their budget is food. Here are some of the various benefits an investment in agriculture can provide.

Farmland Compared to Other Investments
TAX BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN FARMLAND

There are several tax benefits to take advantage of as an agricultural investor. Of course, each deal is structured differently, but we have listed a few of the common tax advantages associated with Agriculture Investing.

Depreciation (Agricultural)

Most investors are familiar with depreciation from experience with investments in real estate. What does depreciation look like on a farm? The land itself will not depreciate in the eyes of Uncle Sam, but certain crops and varieties, primarily grapes, fruit and nut trees, may qualify for a tax depreciation benefit.

These types of crops only produce in limited cycles and sparsely at all during the initial growth period. Once the fruit and nuts can be harvested for an income, the IRS begins to depreciate the asset under the General Depreciation System (GDS) over a ten-year recovery period. Also, capital improvements may be deducted from gross income as depreciation expense. These advantages can be passed on to investors depending on deal structure, crop age, and so on.

Conservation Trusts (Land Designations)

This is how former President George W. Bush got a special tax break for land adjacent to his property, that’s untouched ground, managed specifically for wildlife and hunting. Farmers and investors in agriculture have been doing it too. The purpose of these trusts is preserving the natural ground, ecosystems, and water resources that we often take for granted. When a farmer puts land in a conservation trust, the land remains privately owned. The trust then purchases a conservation easement on the land which inhibits all future development, even to future owners of that land. This protects the land from all future development.

Conservation easements offer many tax advantages. In certain instances, placing an easement on one’s land may result in property tax savings for the owner. Depending on how a deal is structured, these savings may be passed down to investors as well.

Property Taxes (Finance)

The United States has historically been a proponent of agriculture as a means of economic growth. As such, all fifty states have developed favorable property tax rates for agricultural land to assist farmers in maintaining their claim to the land, as expansion threatens to turn more fields into sub divisions. Many states weigh a farmer’s claim to these benefits by determining the viability of the farm’s economic standing. A low property tax rate can result in a reduced tax liability for investors, depending on the type of deal they invested in. In certain states, these tax exemptions for agricultural land can be very lucrative for farmers and agricultural investors.Conservation easements offer many tax advantages. In certain instances, placing an easement on one’s land may result in property tax savings for the owner. Depending on how a deal is structured, these savings may be passed down to investors as well.

Ag Investing is a prudent way to diversify a portfolio against risk. However, it is still an investment with common risks. We recommend consulting with a tax adviser and/or attorney before making investment decisions.


2 - TYPES OF FARMLAND INVESTMENTS

To those in the industry, farming is a way of life. Yet as farms consolidate and city populations grow, the farming lifestyle is becoming more and more unique. Investors looking to diversify have multiple options when it comes to investing in farmland. Here are the main options:

3 - RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN FARMLAND

As with any investment, there are risks associated with agricultural investments. Some of the risks in this particular asset class include drought, fire, pests or disease that could damage crops. Politics can also play a hand when it comes to agricultural restrictions and risks.

Minimizing Risks Associated with Farmland Investments

Geographic and commodity diversification can usually protect against any risks. Hedging and crop insurance are also available for some commodity crops. When investing in farmland, you want to work with a partner who has a proven track record for successfully managing farms and an eye for finding high-profit potential properties that have as little risk as possible.


4 - OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Here are some factors to consider when determining if an investment in farmland is right for you. And if it is, what should you look for when choosing a property?

FARMLAND IS A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT

Investors must realize that farmland is a long term investment. Return on an investment can vary from 12 months to 7 years before seeing your first return.  They must also realize there are short term fluctuations in commodity prices, and returns are better measured over longer periods in farmland investments.

ORGANIC VS. CONVENTIONAL

Organic farmland investments are a good investment.  However, not all soil and geographical locations are suitable for organic production.  A good conventional farm may not make a good organic farm. There are many variables that need to be analyzed before buying organic farmland or converting conventional farmland to organic.

DIVERSIFICATION ACCROSS CROPS AND GEOGRAPHIES

The ideal farmland portfolio will have a variety of farms, producing multiple different crops.  Different locations of farms will provide a good hedge against risk factors such as drought, pest infestation or weather.

SOIL FERTILITY & WATER AVAILABILITY

When investing in farmland, soil fertility and water are the two most important factors. Soil is classified under class 1, 2 and 3 soils.  Class 1 is the best.  There are a variety of crops that can grow in different soil types and it is important to match the commodity grown to the proper soil type to maximize yield.  There are three water sources as well, including rain water, well water and surface water (delivered from a lake or river on demand).  All farmland must have one or all three sources for it to have a chance at being a good investment.  

SUSTAINABILITY

Despite popular belief, most family farms across the United States are very sustainable. We suggest looking for farmland that was properly cared for before your purchase.  In a healthy and sustainable farm, the farmer will have replenished nutrients by adding organic matter to sustain soil tilth. This is also something that should be considered when choosing a farm manager; are they experienced in running sustainable farm operations?

5 - IN CONCLUSION

DEMAND

With an ever-increasing global population and demand for food, farmland offers a truly unique investment opportunity with inviting long-term returns. Investing in farmland has also proven to provide diversification to portfolios along with a hedge against commonly unstable stock market corrections.

Our best recommendation is to work with a partner who has proven success in managing and investing in farmland.

FarmFundr offers diversity. Traditionally, it would take millions of dollars to invest in a variety of farms and crops. FarmFundr’s unique platform offers the opportunity to take ownership in a real, working California farm, at a fraction of the cost to buy one.

Explore unique, high-return possibility properties HERE.

How to invest in farmland

At FarmFundr,  we are passionate about bridging the gap between investors and agriculture. We are excited to present the opportunity for investors to gain access to a quality asset class and achieve attractive returns in a simple and straightforward way.

With a free FarmFundr account, you will have access to high profit potential properties that are available to invest in for as little as $10,000. Invest quickly online through our safe and secure portal, sit back and watch the progress of your farm online while we handle the every day operations. It is farmland investing made easy!

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