STAY INFORMED With
THE LAND MAN
H. Dale Herring Presents; Living and Working in the Country
 
Boy, do they grow up quickly. That’s my daughter Sydney helping daddy repair fence on our ranch. Now she is about to graduate high school this May. As we’ve all heard, raising children is the hardest job on earth. While that may be true. It can be the most rewarding as well, especially seeing them grow up in the country.

It’s amazing how our children dictate so many of our decisions. From which diapers to buy to which college they will attend, and everything in between.

I recently met an older gentleman and his adult son. They had decided to sell their farm. So they called me to help answer their questions and market the farm. The son had a job in town, and interests there. The dad said they were going to purchase a home closer to the sons job. But, said he so enjoyed raising his family on the farm.
In contrast, I recently sold a nice tract of land to a man with a young family. He said they wanted to live the country life.

Whatever decisions you and your family are contemplating, if they involve buying ,selling or investing in rural real estate, please contact me. We broker Farms, Ranches, Timberland and Hunting tracts, all over North Central Florida.
 
Small and Family Farms

More than 90 percent of farms in the U.S. are classified as small, with a gross cash farm income of $250,000, or less. These farms, most of which are family-owned and operated, confront considerable challenges due to current trends, such as increased movement into cities, an aging population, farm consolidation, and changing weather patterns.     

Importance of Family and Small Farms

Family and small farms are vital to our economy and well-being as a nation. Not only do they support the competitiveness and sustainability of rural and farm economies, they serve to:

  • Protect and enhance natural resources and the environment
  • Provide a nursery for the development of new enterprises and marketing systems
  • Maintain rural populations
 
Agriculture Technology

Modern farms and agricultural operations work far differently than those a few decades ago, primarily because of advancements in technology, including sensors, devices, machines, and information technology. Today’s agriculture routinely uses sophisticated technologies such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technology . These advanced devices and precision agriculture  and robotic systems  allow businesses to be more profitable, efficient, safer, and more environmentally friendly.

Importance of Agricultural Technology

Farmers no longer have to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides uniformly across entire fields. Instead, they can use the minimum quantities required and target very specific areas, or even treat individual plants differently. Benefits include:

  • Higher crop productivity
  • Decreased use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, which in turn keeps food prices down
  • Reduced impact on natural ecosystems
  • Less runoff of chemicals into rivers and groundwater
  • Increased worker safety

In addition, robotic technologies enable more reliable monitoring and management of natural resources, such as air and water quality. It also gives producers greater control over plant and animal production, processing, distribution, and storage, which results in:

  • Greater efficiencies and lower prices
  • Safer growing conditions and safer foods
  • Reduced environmental and ecological impact
 
Organic Agriculture

Organic farmers, ranchers, and food processors use agricultural methods intended to preserve the environment. USDA organic regulations restrict the use of certain conventional tools such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Importance of Organic Agriculture

The organic industry is one of the fastest growing agricultural segments in the United States. Organic farming yields such vital benefits as preservation of soil’s organic composition.
Organic farmers utilize practices that:

  • Maintain and improve fertility, soil structure and biodiversity, and reduce erosion
  • Reduce the risks of human, animal, and environmental exposure to toxic materials
  • Fine-tune farming practices to meet local production conditions and satisfy local markets
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Buying or Selling, contact
THE LAND MAN TODAY!
H. DALE HERRING 352-356-1099