Visiting farmland you might lease is important not just for determining whether the land and its infrastructure is a good fit but also for you and the farmland owner to figure out whether you could get along well.
Below we share some tips for your visit. These tips are intended to help you create a positive impression that will increase the odds that the farmland owner would want to lease land to you. The tips are based on farm visits we’ve experienced and heard about. First impressions do matter.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Having clarity on your must-haves ensures the visit is focused and productive for both parties. Before scheduling a visit, make sure the opportunity aligns with your essential criteria. Does the land meet your minimum acreage needs? Is the property located in a feasible area for your operations and lifestyle? Are there good reasons to believe the infrastructure, soil, and zoning will work well for your business? Create a list of questions based on your research and farming needs.
Make a Respectful First Impression
Be punctual and communicate clearly in advance if you will be delayed (having the landowner’s phone number beforehand so you can text if necessary is a good idea). Offer a smile and a firm, friendly handshake when you arrive and again when you leave. Dress neat and fresh. Don’t bring other guests unless you’ve already asked permission to do so.
Let the Landowner Lead
Follow the landowner’s lead during the tour. This is their space and their story to tell. Stay on paths or designated areas you are being led on unless invited elsewhere. If there is something you are really curious about, ask permission to look more closely at it. Avoid handling equipment, crops, or animals without permission. Refrain from suggesting changes to the land during the first visit, unless invited to share ideas.
Bring Supporting Materials
This shows preparation, attention to detail, and respect for the landowner’s time. Create a packet of information that includes your resume and any other documents you think could be useful in sharing your farming experiences. Be ready to introduce yourself in a clear and concise way. Print a map of the farm and take notes on any key information.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
In addition to questions about the basic details of the property, make sure to ask courteous, open-ended questions that give the landowner space to share what matters most to them about their land. These kinds of questions invite clarity without pressure. For example: “What would you like a future farmer to be especially mindful of?”
Listen Closely
Ask thoughtful questions, take notes, and avoid interrupting. When a farmland owners shares a boundary or non-negotiable, give that statement your full attention. Use active listening techniques like nodding, maintaining eye contact, and reflecting back what you’ve heard to confirm your understanding. Avoid interrupting, especially if the landowner is deliberate in their speaking style.
Clarify without Challenging
If something seems unclear, surprising, or even unfair, ask for more information with curiosity—not criticism. Discuss these topics with them transparently and respectfully. For example:
- “Could you tell me a bit more about how that’s worked in the past?”
- “Could you help me understand the reasoning behind that?”
Express Appreciation
Thank the landowner for the opportunity to visit the property when you arrive and leave. It’s good, too, when you leave, to highlight what you appreciated about the farm property and to see if you and the farmland owner can agree on next steps, even if the next step might be thinking more about it.
Good luck!