![]() ![]() ![]() Look for well-drained pasture with established grasses. For hay crops, consult a local ag extension office to determine typical yields. If only considering summer pasturing, check data on regional carrying capacity. Sufficient space is needed to rotate between pastures, as well as to produce an adequate supply of feed for the winter. If the primary objective is raising livestock, it is critical to find a sufficiently large acreage to provide both grazing and haying. As well as simple quantity, the quality of the acrege can be vastly different. The intended uses make all the difference, and can help make an economical decision. While the desire for elbow room and huge tracts of land is common, it’s also one of the main factors in proprty acquisition cost. ![]() Here you need to insight of local experts–pick a real estate agent with experience in this area, and get in touch with a well driller as you begin your property search. In more rural locations, each property will have an individual well. In areas with small acerage parcels, it is common for a well to be a shared commoditity, with a local water board with regular dues for water service. Most frequently, water is obtained from the local aquifer, with a drilled well. A natural spring also requires diligent attention to developing it and protecting it from contamination. This will require careful investigation, to determine how much water is available and if it continues through a dry summer. Some properties are blessed with a natural source of water–a spring on the property. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with water rights in your destination. Rain is irregular, so a reliable source of ground water is critical. Utilize historical rainfall data, and pay close attention to the use of irrigation techniques on the ground. There is good historical reason that coastal valleys are so abundant. Ideally, find an area with a long growing season and summers that carry an even distribution of rain. A region with long hot and dry summers will have much greater demand for irrigation than an area with cool wet summers. First, use annual rainfall as criteria in selecting your desired relocation area. Soil can be amended, but there’s little to do about a lack of water. WaterĪ reliable water source may be the single largest factor in the success of a homestead. Utilize local experts and your own reseach to find an area with good value for productive land. On the other hand, areas with the lowest land prices frequently are so because the land is so arid, rugged, or inhospitable as to be nearly unusuable. For the homestead proeprty, it can be helpful to look at land prices, and distinguigh between areas that are expensive because of proximity to towns, tourism or vacation desitnations, and near recreational bodies of water. Location is always a central issue in real estate. For example, despite Montana’s harsh winters, the Flathead valley produces abundant cherries and even peaches due to it’s sheltered location and large bodies of water. Even in states with more severe climates, local microclimates may be more favorable. Dig through the local sunny days, precipitation, and plant hardiness maps to find a good area for consideration. ![]() Start by choosing an area with a favorable growing season, with managable winter and summer conditions. So, let’s start with location: Location and AccessĬlimate underlies any homestead choice. There’s insight to be gained from statistical data, but it’s also important to get local expert insight. It starts with location, climate, water, acreage, and soil. There are innumerable factors to consider in choosing a homestead property, but a few are critical. ![]()
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