About to close on 20 acres. Any tips?

Congrats. I’m about a month away from doing the same. I know I should be asking a cpa this question but what do you know about the farm ag exemption? I know you need 5 cows.

I’ve got an LLC setup that I plan to use.

It's about the same in FL. 5 cattle for the ag exemption. We'd also get an additional ag exemption for the bee hives I believe

Congrats to you too

Get the owners title policy at the closing. Relatively inexpensive peace of mind against nuts who may pop up and claim that's granddaddy's land that he left to them. A lot of nutty claims have been made, especially in areas where minerals are producing. The title policy will fund any legal battles, as opposed to you having to come out of pocket for a $400 an hour lawyer.

Get to know your neighbors - especially if it’s a genuinely rural area.

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Get to know your neighbors - especially if it’s a genuinely rural area.

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This!!!

If your neighbors hunt, try not to go cranking off rounds right at prime time in the evening.

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Cattle (enough to get the farm ag exemption)

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Can someone explain this to me like I'm 5 ?

We have been on our 20 acres since last July. It has an existing mobile home, that was put onto a crawlspace and added on to. 2,000 sq ft.

So far we've managed to do a massive amount of cleanup, fix several electrical nightmares, replaced the well bladder and filter with stuff made this century, have 20 chickens and coop. I'm interested in bees, and thought of doing sheep instead of cows but that's about as far as I've gotten thinking about it.

Love it though, days go by where I don't see anyone but my dogs, wife, and kids. Not even another vehicle driving by.

ETA: we're in Alabama, not sure if they have the farm ag exemption.

Congrats! That's awesome.

Cows and chickens will need water. You mention that there's currently no water. That would be a top priority. Evaluate cost of getting a water line run to the property or having a well drilled. A 2400 sqft mobile home with water (and sewer hookup) will be much more useful than without it.

I would get your soil tested. Call your county agent and ask them about getting soil samples tested. Then you'll know the current state of the soil and whether it needs treatment (and the type) for what you want to grow.

Is the property perimeter fenced. If so, good enough to reliably keep cattle in? If not, that would be a top priority. Maybe also post no trespassing signs too.

Some basic farm equipment will be needed. A small tractor and a few implements to start with. FWIW, you can probably pick up a vintage Ford 8n for about $2000. However, a different tractor would be best if you need a front-end loader. I would go for an older tractor without electronics. A chipper that runs off PTO and attaches to 3-point hitch might come in very handy.

Might consider planting some pecan and/or walnut trees if they grow well in your area.

For any garden or crops you plant -- is there a large population of deer in the area? If so, you might need an 8 foot fence to keep them out.

Plant the trees and bushes you want now or asap. It takes at least five years for a lot of trees to produce. Get you water supply sorted. Don’t go cheap on the gate for your fence if it will be opened and closed a lot. Some of my lessons learned. Enjoy your place.