Can I Sell Farmland and Keep the House?
Yes, you can often sell farmland and keep the house by separating the home and surrounding acreage from the agricultural land. In Iowa, this may involve creating a new parcel around the house before the farmland is sold. However, access, zoning, septic systems, wells, utilities, surveys, and local subdivision rules should all be reviewed before […]
Does Harvest Affect When I Should Sell Farmland in Iowa?
Yes, harvest can affect when you should sell farmland in Iowa, but it does not necessarily mean you should wait until harvest is over. In many cases, late summer and fall can be a good time to prepare or market an Iowa farm because buyers are actively evaluating land, harvest provides current information about the […]
Selling the Family Farm in Iowa: A Guide for Landowners and Heirs
Selling the family farm in Iowa starts with understanding who owns the property, what the farm is worth, whether leases or other agreements are in place, and what each owner wants from the sale. Before putting the farm on the market, landowners and heirs should also speak with appropriate legal and tax professionals and evaluate […]
How Do Families Make Farm Decisions?
How do families make farm decisions? The most successful farm families make decisions through open communication, shared goals, careful planning, and a clear understanding of both financial and family priorities. Whether the decision involves buying land, selling farmland, leasing acres, or passing the farm to the next generation, collaboration is often the key to long-term […]
Farmland Owner? Here’s What to Do If Your Kids Live Out of State
Farmland owners whose children live out of state should prioritize estate planning, clear legal documentation, and defined management strategies. Proactive planning—including trusts, leasing arrangements, and professional farm managers—protects the land’s value and reduces conflict among heirs across different states. More American families face this reality every year: the family farm stays rooted in the Midwest […]
Fair vs. Equal: Why Farm Succession Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Equal division of farm assets—splitting everything 50/50—often creates more conflict than it resolves. True fairness in farm succession means accounting for each heir’s contribution, involvement, and future role, then building a plan that reflects those realities rather than a simple formula. Few conversations are harder to have on a family farm than succession planning. Who […]