Founder, CIO, Real Estate Broker, and Financial Planner at Harmer Wealth Management
Answered a year ago
As the Founder of Harmer Wealth and The Harmer Group, my advice to farmers struggling to access land or financing is to take a holistic approach to their financial and operational strategy. It's not just about finding a lender or saving for land-it's about understanding the full ecosystem of opportunities available to you, from local tax incentives and grants to leveraging equity creatively or pursuing partnerships. One often-overlooked strategy is building strong relationships with local lenders and advisors who specialize in agricultural financing. Many farmers struggle because they approach financing as a one-size-fits-all process, but agriculture is unique, and lenders who understand this can tailor solutions to fit your specific needs. We've worked with clients to identify overlooked opportunities, like leveraging government programs or structuring innovative lease-to-own agreements. Overcoming barriers in this industry has taught me the value of specialization and local knowledge. For instance, knowing which municipalities offer agricultural tax breaks or which community organizations support land-sharing initiatives can be the difference between spinning your wheels and gaining traction. At Harmer Wealth and The Harmer Group, we emphasize aligning financial planning, real estate strategy, and investment tools to help farmers not just gain access to land, but also sustain and grow their operations over time. Persistence is key, but so is having a trusted advisor who understands the nuances of farming, land use, and financing. If you can combine local knowledge with a strategic plan, you're already a step ahead in navigating these challenges