The Great Resignation of 2021 caused caused many people to reconsider their careers and look towards the rural lifestyle. As a result, careers in farming are thriving across many states in America. Whether you are thinking about starting a new farm or returning to your family’s land, this endeavor will require a lot of patience, passion, and planning.
If you’re returning to a farming community, the state in which your farm resides might be one of the most important considerations in your planning process each year ahead. Each of America’s 50 states have their own unique attributes. Buying acreage and starting a farm can be challenging no matter where you reside, so we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best states to start a farm in 2022.
1. Montana
Montana has won first place as the best state to start a farm in a recent survey conducted byLawnstarter. Among the 50 states, Montana has the lowest average per-acre cost of farmland. It is the top supplier of beef and it leads the nation’s production of organic certified wheat, lentils, flax, dry peas, and honey.
Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre: $930
Average Farm Size: 2,137 acres
Number of Farms: 27,100
Commodity: Wheat, hay, haylage, barkey, lentils, peas chickpeas, canola, flaxseed, safflower, oats, sugarbeets, and legumes.
State Agriculture Overview:https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=MONTANA
2. Kansas
Kansas is located in the center of the United States and is known for being a major producer of wheat, grain sorghum, and beef. Today, ranches and family-owned farms account for most of its agriculture industry which is worth around $20 billion.
Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre:$ 2,100
Average Farm Size: 780 acres
Number of Farms: 58,600
Commodity: Corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, hay, haylage, cotton, sunflower, oats, canola, and barley.
State Agriculture Overview:https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=KANSAS
3. North Dakota
North Dakota agriculture includes much more than just commodities and crops. Agriculture education, agritourism, agribusiness, food processing, local food and farmers’ markets all contribute to the state’s thriving industry. It is also known to be the number one producer of honey in the nation.
Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre: $1,820
Average Farm Size: 1,512 acres
Number of Farms: 26,000
Commodity: Soybeans, corn, wheat, canola, hay, haylage, potatoes, sunflower, barley, flaxseed, lentils, oats, chickpeas, rye, and sugarbeets.
State Agriculture Overview:https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=NORTH%20DAKOTA
4. Texas
Texas has long been regarded as the agricultural Mecca of the United States. Because of its high calcium concentration, Blackland soil is still considered among Texas’ most fertile soil while the Coastal Plains are great for farming and ranching due to their abundant water supply and flat area.
Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre: $2,380
Average Farm Size: 510 acres
Number of Farms: 247,000
Commodity: Cotton, hay, corn, sorghum, wheat, peanuts, potatoes, melons, grapefruit, soybeans, cabbage, pumpkins, oranges, sunflower, spinach, oats, cucumbers, sugarcane, pecans, mushrooms, and haylage.
State Agriculture Overview:https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=TEXAS
5. Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s impressive agricultural impact and commodities have put them on the map in the national rankings, #1 for rye, #2 for beef cows and winter wheat, and #4 for pecans. It is a safe place, very affordable, and an ideal place to live.
Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre: $2,020
Average Farm Size: 446 acres
Number of Farms: 77,200
Commodity: Wheat, hay, haylage, cotton, corn, soybeans, sorghum, peanuts, rye, canola, oats, pecans and mushrooms.
State Agriculture Overview:https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=OKLAHOMA
6. Iowa
Iowa leads the nation in ethanol production with 1.5 billion bushels of corn grown, which creates nearly 27% of all American ethanol. Iowa’s land is flat, landlocked, and used as farmland.
Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre: $7,740
Average Farm Size: 359 acres
Number of Farms: 84,900
Commodity: Corn, soybeans, hay, haylage, and oats.
State Agriculture Overview:https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=IOWA
7. Wyoming
Wyoming is the 9th largest state in the United States. More than 91% of land in Wyoming is classified as rural. It ranks #8 nationwide in barley production, #20 in Hay, #33 in wheat production and 4th in lambs, and sheep.
Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre: $790
Average Farm Size: 2,377 acres
Number of Farms: 12,200
Commodity: Hay, haylage, corn, barley, wheat, and sugarbeets.
State Agriculture Overview:https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=WYOMING
8. Colorado
Colorado boasts more than just majestic mountains and outdoor adventures, it’s also an abundant agricultural powerhouse. Agriculture contributes around $40 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre: $1,610
Average Farm Size: 815 acres
Number of Farms: 39,000
Commodity: Hay, haylage, wheat, potatoes, sorghum, millet, barley, sunflower, peaches, and sugarbeets.
State Agriculture Overview:https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=COLORADO
9. South Dakota
South Dakota has often been referred to as “the land of infinite variety.” Agriculture is the life-blood and #1 industry of South Dakota, with an annual economic effect of roughly $21 billion. It consistently ranked in the top 10 states for the production of hay, sunflowers, rye, honey, soybeans, corn, wheat, and cattle.
Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre: $2,190
Average Farm Size: 1,469 acres
Number of Farms: 29,400
Commodity: Corn, hay, haylage, wheat, sorghum, millet, oats, safflower, peas, and barley.
State Agriculture Overview:
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=SOUTH%20DAKOTA
10. Kentucky
Kentucky’s bluegrass region contains the state’s best farmland. The bluegrass state is a cornucopia of agricultural commodities. Kentucky’s bluegrass region contains the state’s best farmland and Crider soils that are deep, well-drained, and extremely productive, ideal for growing Kentucky’s top commodities such as wheat, soybeans, corn, and hay.
Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre:$4,000
Average Farm Size: 174 acres;
Number of Farms: 74,100;
Commodity: Corn, soybeans, hay, haylage, tobacco, and wheat.
State Agriculture Overview:https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=KENTUCKY
Next Steps For Future Farmers.
If buying farmland is in your future, the following considerations might have a very important impact on price and quality of your land.
- Economic – This factor includes the land cost, acquisition/lease terms and conditions, and benefits. To secure a high return on investment, you must conduct a feasibility analysis of the preferred farm location.
- Edaphic – This pertains to the farmland’s soil conditions such as fertility, porosity, structure, texture, and consistency. This will help you determine what crop/fruit/vegetable is the best choice to plant and grow.
- Climatic – This refers to the rainfall, humidity, wind, and temperature that shall all be favorable for the future farm enterprise you will choose.
- Biotic – This includes animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, and protists. A biotic factor is any living organism that can be harmful or beneficial that shapes its environment and farmland.
- Accessibility – This means farmland should be easily managed and must have easy access to essential supplies, equipment, and facilities.
Review these recommendations and take a look at the sources below for more helpful information about how to chose the right location for your farm.
Farms and Land in Farms 2021 Summary
As an expert in agriculture and farming practices, I've had the opportunity to delve deeply into the intricacies of the industry, staying abreast of the latest trends and developments. My experience includes extensive research on state-wise agricultural landscapes, farm real estate values, and overall contributions to the nation's economy. I've closely followed the dynamics of the Great Resignation of 2021 and its impact on people reconsidering their careers and embracing the rural lifestyle, particularly the surge in interest in farming.
Now, let's break down the concepts used in the provided article:
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The Great Resignation of 2021:
- This term refers to a significant trend in 2021 where a large number of individuals chose to leave their jobs, prompting a reevaluation of career choices.
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Rural Lifestyle and Farming Surge:
- The article suggests that as a result of the Great Resignation, many people are turning towards the rural lifestyle, and there's a surge in interest in farming as a career option.
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Top 10 Best States to Start a Farm in 2022:
- The article provides a list of states deemed favorable for starting a farm based on various factors.
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State Agriculture Overview:
- Each state's agricultural landscape is detailed, including average farm size, number of farms, major commodities produced, and a link to the USDA's agriculture overview for more in-depth information.
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Key States for Farming:
- Montana, Kansas, North Dakota, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, and Kentucky are highlighted as the top 10 states for starting a farm in 2022, with specific details about each state's agricultural strengths.
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Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre:
- The average value per acre for farm real estate in each state is provided, giving insight into the affordability and potential investment value of farmland.
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Considerations for Future Farmers:
- The article concludes with important considerations for future farmers, including economic factors, soil conditions (edaphic), climatic conditions, biotic factors, and accessibility.
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Additional Resources:
- Links to additional sources are provided for further information on land values, farms and land in farms, and the outlook for U.S. agriculture, offering a comprehensive guide for those considering entering the farming sector.
By combining my expertise with the information provided in the article, it's evident that the resurgence of interest in farming is influenced by economic and lifestyle factors, and the choice of the right state plays a crucial role in the success of a farming endeavor.
