Ready to get your property fit for purpose?
Whether this is your first time managing acreage or you just bought a place of your own. It can be daunting at first. Not knowing what to do with your land. Thinking about fencing options, land clearing, or which equipment to buy can make your head spin.
Don't worry!
Anyone can learn how to maintain their land and maximize productivity. Whether you want to farm it or ranch it…
These principles apply.
What you'll learn:
- Why new landowners should have a plan
- Basic Equipment All Property Owners Should Own
- Land maintenance practices that actually work
- How to find the right agricultural equipment dealership
Why Should New Landowners Have a Plan?
Attempting to manage acreage with zero planning is like driving without GPS.
Sure, you might know your final destination. But you'll waste time and money getting there.
According to the USDA the number of beginning farmers increased by 11% between 2017 and 2022. That means more individuals are becoming land owners than ever before.
And the majority of them have the same dilemmas:
- Don't know where to start
- Buy the wrong equipment
- Overspending on projects that can be done inexpensively.
The solution? Take before you buy. Literally. Walk your property. Get a feel for it. Identify areas with drainage issues. Rocky outcroppings you'll need to work around. Places that will need your attention first.
Once you know what needs to be done. Create a timeline that you can actually meet.
Stick to it as best you can. You don't have to get everything done year one. Trust me. Experienced land managers know you're setting yourself up for disappointment by rushing into too many projects.
Most Important Equipment All Property Owners Should Have
This is where most folks go wrong as a first-time landowner…
Buying too much. Or too little.
Let's be clear.
While the size of your acreage might change your equipment needs. Every property owner should own a tractor. Period.
If you're working 50 acres or less, a compact utility tractor in the 25-50 HP range should suffice for the majority of your tasks.
But you can't work your acreage with a tractor alone.
You'll also need:
- Rotary cutter or brush hog
- Box blade
- Post hole digger
- Front-end loader
That doesn't sound like a lot until you go out to buy it all new.
Instead, focus on finding dependable Case IH and Kubota equipment in Dyersburg or locate a local agricultural equipment dealership near you. Knowing your budget, a good dealer can help you find exactly what you need at a price you can afford. Not to mention you’ll build a relationship you'll rely on down the road.
Buying used equipment lets you save money on OEM manufacturing costs. But still gives you access to:
- Factory authorized service
- Trade-ins when it's time for an upgrade
- Knowledgeable technicians who can keep your equipment running
Don't forget…
Take it one implement at a time. Once you get the hang of things. Add another piece of equipment to your arsenal. Most dealers offer equipment rental programs so you can test drive that box blade before you buy it.
Proven Land Maintenance Practices to Try
Ok now that we got the foundational stuff out of the way. Let's talk about what matters.
There are three things that set successful acreage managers apart from the pack.
Soil Health
Land. It all starts with the soil under your feet.
Before you plant that first seed or radically change your landscape. Get your soil tested by your local agricultural extension office.
For under $20 you can find out:
- What your soil is lacking
- The ph level of your dirt
- How to properly amend your soil to support healthy growth
Contact your county agent for a soil test kit. It's the easiest $20 you'll spend all year.
Weed/Brush Control
Weeds. Everybody has them. But without regular maintenance they take over everything.
So what's the mistake most new landowners make?
Not staying on top of them. Letting weeds, brush, and invasive species grow too large. Then you're faced with removing items that would've been easy to manage if you stayed on top of things.
Pull your brush hog frequently during the growing season. Spray problem areas before they get out of hand. Create a mowing schedule that prevents weeds from going to seed.
Water
Water can be your friend or your worst enemy.
Ensuring you have proper drainage will save you from trouble. Take a stroll through your property every time it rains. Identify any places where water pools. Then grade away from these spots using your box blade.
Your acreage will thank you.
Building Your Equipment Maintenance Schedule
You might be wondering why we didn't talk about this already.
Trust me. We're getting to it. But this section is the most important part of owning acreage:
Maintenance.
A study from Virginia Polytechnic Institute revealed farmers can reduce maintenance costs by 25% by simply improving their maintenance regimen. When it comes to your equipment, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Here's what your maintenance routine should look like:
- Quick inspection before you operate (fluids, tire pressure, obvious issues)
- Clean off and store equipment properly after each use
- Keep records that include:
- Hours of use
- Oil changes/filter replacements
- Any repairs/replaced parts
- Unusual noises/performance issues
Maintaining detailed records will help you spot problems before they become costly. Not to mention keep your equipment's resale value high when it's time to upgrade.
Oh and here's a secret…
Your local agricultural equipment dealership should be your primary maintenance vendor. You know why? Their technicians have worked on your exact model of equipment hundreds if not thousands of times. Relationship building with your local dealer comes in handy when you need service during your busy season.
How to Get Started the Smart Way
So you're ready to stop wishing for your place of land and make it a reality.
First thing's first. Get acquainted with your local agricultural equipment dealership. Tell them about your property, your goals, and your budget. A good dealer can help you prioritize your spending. Help you avoid rookie mistakes that could cost you down the road.
Easy right?
Now it's time to learn how to use that equipment properly. Become familiar with operating your tractor before you throw on that box blade. Get comfortable with basic maintenance before taking on larger projects.
Wrapping It All Up
Don't let working acreage intimidate you.
Every day landowners are learning how to manage their property for the first time. By following these simple steps you'll set yourself up for success.
- Create a plan before taking anything on
- Buy quality used equipment from a local agricultural equipment dealership
- Build and follow a maintenance routine
- Never stop learning
The land you have today can turn into something great tomorrow.
You've just got to put in the work.
