Here's an excerpt from "A Practical Guide to Buying Land" that gives a straightforward overview of what the course covers. It also lays out a road-map for success for anyone who aspires to own land for investment, conservation, or recreation. [display_podcast] . To get started on the path to land ownership...... Order A Practical Guide to Buying Land. … [Read more...]
Iowa State Extension – Report on Farmland Returns
August 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Here's the full report on farmland returns from Iowa State University. The report includes estimates of the average returns from owning farmland since 1970. Annual returns are in two forms: cash returns and change in market value. Total return is the sum of these two. The source of data for cash rents and land values is the Economic Research Service (USDA) data series for whole farm rents and value, not data from ISU Extension, which refers to rental rates for corn/soybean land only. Read "Returns to Farmland Owners" … [Read more...]
Interview 2: Using Conservation Programs to Buy Land
July 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment
What an interesting story! In this exclusive interview, you’ll hear how Mark went from farm boy, to professional golfer, to land owner. As he talks about buying his first farm, pay special attention to how Mark leveraged federal and state programs to offset his costs of ownership. What a concept! Buy some land…..Improve the wildlife habitat……Conserve it for you and your family…….AND have the government help you pay the bills. ******* Greenwood Project with Don Webb … [Read more...]
Interview 1: Buying Land Using Self Directed IRA
July 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment
As a former novice land buyer, Don Ellers still remembers the challenges of the process, and he offers great insight on how to “learn the ropes” of land ownership. As you listen, pay special attention to his discussion of using your retirement funds to buy land using Self Directed IRAs. This is a GREAT idea, and way better than watching your retirement dwindle away in the stock market. Greenwood Project with Don Webb … [Read more...]
Timberland as Part of Your Investment Portfolio
July 29, 2010 By 1 Comment
According to the folks at J.P Morgan, investors looking to boost returns, diversify, and participate in green investments may want to look at Timberland. J.P. Morgan Investment Analytics and Consulting, a division of J.P. Morgan Worldwide Securities Services, conducted an analysis of the company’s performance over the past 22 years. The study showed that Timberland has provided an annualized return of 14.60% as well as impressive diversification benefits. The following article (which appears on the JP Morgan website) was written by Jeff … [Read more...]
USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program General Sign-up
July 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that a general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) will begin on August 2, 2010 and continue through August 27, 2010. During the sign-up period, farmers and ranchers may offer eligible land for CRP's competitive general sign-up at their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. The 2008 Farm Bill authorized USDA to maintain CRP enrollment up to 32 million acres. Jim Miller, Agriculture Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services, made the announcement on behalf of Secretary … [Read more...]
Conservation Buffers
July 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment
What is a conservation buffer? A conservation buffer is a small strip of land in permanent vegetation that helps to control an environmental problem or concern. They are typically less expensive to install than other practices which require more engineering and construction. There are many different types of buffers such as a windbreak which we discussed in a previous article, shelter belts, field borders, alley cropping, areas of shallow water, living snow fences, contour grass strips, vegetative barriers, and riparian buffers. Each … [Read more...]
Need Your Feedback
July 14, 2010 By 3 Comments
Hey Folks.... About a month ago, we embarked on an ambitious project to redesign the Greenwood Project website to support the goal of providing practical, down to earth information. We did so with the following "mission statement" in mind. Greenwoodproject.com is…. An online resource for landowners, aspiring land owners, conservationists, land managers, investors, real estate professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts A place for advice, tips, how-to’s and the latest news and information about land investing, conservation, and … [Read more...]
