Land Link Application Process

The Land Link program is designed to connect landowners and retiring farmers with next generation farmers, and help foster a compatible match. Through an application process a database is developed so that landowners and new farmers can survey the possibilities. Through its farm matching services, Guidestone may assist with constructing an equitable farm-lease agreement that will ensure the goals and needs of both parties are met. Ultimately, the objective is to transition farmland into the hands of responsible stewards who are dedicated to local agriculture, while protecting the rights and equity of the landowner.

For New Farmers

1.    Complete the online application; you can download it and fill it out. Then print it out, and mail or fax to Guidestone. The application fee of new farmers is $35.00.

2.    When your application is received, your information will be placed in the land-link database of those interested in the program.

3.    When a landowner contacts us to help find an interested farmer, we go to our database to begin the matching process.

4.    As you wait for the right farming opportunity to open up, carefully consider the following:
•    Do you have the knowledge needed for the type of agriculture you want to enter?
•    Do a financial analysis of your assets and resources and be prepared to talk about what you need to make your farm business successful. Your assets may be mainly in labor and educational skills. Or, you may have some of your own machinery and equipment.
•    Do you have financing available or will you require assistance from the landowner?
•    Are you a good communicator? Think about how you will tell a landowner about your goals, or your desire to become part of an established farm business.
•    Consider your value system, your personal and family goals. If you are married, do you and your spouse have a similar vision as it relates to farming and family matters, and other interests?
•    Create a wholistic management plan to guide you in your process; Guidestone has trained facilitators who can assist you in your planning.
•    Have patience and be ready when that important phone call comes from a retiring farmer who is looking for just the right person to transition the farm to.

5.    When the invitation comes to meet with a landowner or retiring farmer, you will be ready for the next step—the meeting. What happens next?
•    You will talk about your expectations and goals.
•    If your personalities gel and you both feel comfortable, together you will develop a transition plan to serve as a guide to begin working together.
•    Guidestone can help you complete a financial analysis of your farming business in order to determine whether there is enough income for everyone involved to feel secure—that the finances are sufficient to meet expectations.
•    Each of you will exchange references—both personal and financial
•    Both of you will talk to your own trusted advisors, such as family, personal accountant, lawyer, etc to help you formulate your agreement based on your wholistic management plan. If helpful, Guidestone can assist in negotiating an equitable lease agreement.

These are just some of the many issues you will need to think about. Entering into a farm lease agreement is a big step. Guidestone is here to help you with the land-link process.



For Landowners and Retiring Farmers

1.    Complete the online application; you can download it and fill it out. Then print it out, and mail or fax to Guidestone. The application fee for landowners is $50.00.

2.    When the Land-Link Coordinator receives your application he will contact you.

3.    Your information will be placed on our online database for prospective new farmers to consider.

4.    The Land-Link Coordinator will arrange a visit with you and tour of your farm property. He will help you get a clearer picture of what is involved in developing a farm lease agreement with a next generation farmer. He can also help you begin making a plan for transitioning your farm operation. Here are some of the matters you may talk about during the farm visit:
•    What is the goal for the future of your farm?
•    Is there enough income to bring a new farmer into your operation and allow you to retire with the income you expect?
•    If you have children not involved in your farm business, how do they feel about non-related person becoming involved with the farm?
•    What values, education, and goals do you expect and want from a farmer who will have access to your land?
•    What physical assets (land, water and infrastructure) and personal resources (education, experience and skills) do you have to offer a new farmer?
•    What are your expectations for retirement? How do you see yourself as a retired farmer?

5.    During the visit you will have a chance to look at applications from those     interested in farming. You can then call and arrange an interview with the applicants you select from our list. What happens when you meet?
•    You will talk about your expectations and goals.
•    After you meet several applicants and find someone you are interested in, together you will develop a transition plan to use as a guide to begin working together.
•    Guidestone can help you analyze the financial viability of potential farm enterprises, in order to determine whether there is enough income for everyone involved to feel secure—that the finances are sufficient to meet expectations.
•    Each of you will exchange references—both personal and financial
•    Both of you will talk to your own trusted advisors, such as family, personal accountant, lawyer, etc. to help you formulate your land-lease agreement. Guidestone is available to assist the negotiation of an equitable lease agreement between landowner and new farmer.

These are just some of the many issues you will need to consider. Transitioning your farm to a next generation farmer is a big step. Guidestone is dedicated to helping you find a farmer who is dedicated to land stewardship and to ensure you have a clear and secure farm-lease arrangement. Additionally, assistance is available to help you design a Stewardship Agreement that will preserve the ecological integrity of your land.

For more information please contact David Lynch at .