CCE Erie Getting on the Land: Lease it or Own it?

Two young farmers will discuss how they arrived at an answer during a facilitated conversation hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County (CCE Erie).

Both farmers established successful CSA operations on land permanently protected by conservation easements in Clarence, NY. Steve and Erin Blabac of Root Down Farm, a vegetable operation, lease their land. Ben and Lori Gehl of Providence Creek Farm, a pasture-raised meat operation, purchased their land. Steve and Ben will give brief virtual tours of their farms and then answer questions about how they acquired their land. From lease terms to lessons learned, from search strategies to infrastructure needs, participants can have their questions answered.

This virtual conversation is open to everyone, but may be especially helpful to people without farming backgrounds who want to start a farm or rent land to a farmer. The number of beginning farmers and farmland owners without farming experience is on the rise. It can be difficult for them to understand the multitude of factors that farmers must consider when they evaluate land and decide whether to lease it or own it. Having this understanding will help farmland seekers and owners find a farm or a farmer suited to their needs and desires. Participants will receive some introductory materials about finding land and be invited to submit questions when they register. Register through CCE Erie.