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OFI 020: John Baker | International Farm Transition Network | Find Your Farm

SHOW NOTES

In 1996, when I was finishing college, I learned of a program that matched retiring farmers up with new and upcoming farmer.  At the time I did not pursue anything because I limited myself by my choice of where I wanted to farm.  However, I have never forgot about this program or opportunity.  It seemed like such a natural idea and made so much sense.

So, 19 years later I finally purchased a farm, but in order to get one I had to buy a place with no infrastructure and no agricultural production taking place.  I thought of this program again as I would love to have been matched up with a retiring farmer who could mentor me and show me exactly how things worked on his property.

When I began the podcast I knew immediately that I wanted to tell my listeners about this program, the International Farm Transition Network.  What an opportunity for aspiring farmers to help keep a retiring farmer’s land and farm in production.  Now, there are “Farm Link” programs in several states as well as Canada that match up these two symbiotic groups.

Our interview with John Baker, the Chairman of the International Farm Transition Network, highlights how the program works.  John discusses some of the obstacles to matching up our aging farmers with “young farmers.”  He also discusses the difficulties in getting existing farmers signed into the program.

John offers significant insight about how to make yourself standout when a farmer is viewing your application to take over his or her farm.  He also discusses some the communication challenges.  For example, the bulk of agricultural land owners in the United States that are transitioning farm property are elderly women who have outlived their husbands.  Significant generational and communication gaps exist, and it is incumbent upon the aspiring farmer to figure out how to bridge these gaps.

I hope you enjoy this episode and the rest of the “farm specific” episodes in April.  I hope this can assist you in making your dream of owning and operating your own farm a reality.

    CONTACT INFORMATION:

IFTN Website: LINK

List of State Farm Link Programs: LINK