Aubrey Johnson

Why Farm Safety Matters Farming is one of the most rewarding ways of life, but it is also one of the most dangerous. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), agriculture consistently ranks among the industries with the highest rates of injuries and fatalities. Long hours, heavy equipment, and unpredictable conditions make it essential to prioritize safety, especially during the busy harvest season. Roadway Safety During Harvest Fall brings more farm equipment on rural roads. Large combines, tractors, and wagons move between fields daily, often at slow speeds. Drivers and farmers alike should take extra precautions: Always slow down when approaching farm equipment on the road. Give machinery ample space to turn or pull over. Farmers should ensure lights, reflectors, and slow-moving vehicle signs are visible and in good working order. Plan routes with safety in mind, avoiding high traffic times when possible. Patience on the roadway saves lives for both farmers and those traveling alongside them. Equipment and Machinery Precautions Modern farm equipment is powerful and efficient, but it requires careful handling. Farmers and workers can lower their risk of accidents by: Performing regular maintenance and safety checks. Never bypassing guards or safety switches. Keeping hands, clothing, and tools clear of moving parts. Shutting down machinery completely before unclogging or servicing. Proper training for anyone operating equipment, including seasonal workers and family members, is a must. Health and Wellness on the Farm Harvest season often means long days and short nights. Fatigue, dehydration, and stress increase the likelihood of accidents. A few key habits can make a big difference: Take scheduled breaks to rest and hydrate. Fuel your body with balanced meals and snacks. Watch for signs of mental and emotional fatigue. Check in on neighbors, employees, and family. Sometimes a quick conversation can prevent burnout. A Community Effort Farm safety is not just a personal responsibility, it is a community one. Neighbors, family members, and rural drivers all play a role in ensuring everyone gets home safe at the end of the day. For additional resources, visit the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety for Farm Safety Week webinars and daily topics, explore NIOSH’s Agricultural Safety & Health for prevention tips, or search the National Ag Safety Database for fact sheets and training materials. As Thomas Jefferson once said, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.” At LandGuys, we work closely with farmers, landowners, and rural communities every day. This Farm Safety Week, we encourage everyone to take an extra moment to think about safety on the road, in the field, and at home. Every Property Tells a Story. Let LandGuys Tell Yours™.

If you have owned your property for a while and are ready to move into something bigger, you might feel discouraged by the lack of options. Some landowners even put their plans on hold rather than face the challenge of upgrading in a low inventory market. You are not alone. Many would-be sellers find themselves in the same position. For example, if you have owned your 40, 80, or 120 acres for several years, you likely have substantial equity to roll into an 80, 160, or 240-acre property. The challenge is finding the right replacement. While it is not easy, there are strategies that can help you make the move with confidence. 1. Buy Now, Sell Later One option is to purchase your replacement property first, then sell your current one and roll your proceeds into the new investment. This is known as a reverse 1031 exchange. The outcome of a reverse 1031 is the same as a regular 1031 exchange. Both defer capital gains taxes and allow you to roll equity into a new property. The difference is timing. A traditional 1031 exchange requires you to identify your replacement property within 45 days of selling. In today’s market, with so few properties available, that timeline may force you to compromise. A reverse 1031 exchange gives you the ability to secure your next property before you sell, which makes you more selective. This route is more complex and can carry additional costs, but it offers flexibility. Always consult with your tax advisor or a qualified intermediary to determine the right exchange strategy for your situation. 2. Stay in Regular Contact with a Real Estate Agent Being in close communication with an experienced agent can make all the difference in a low inventory market. Here is why: Access to more than what is on the marketAgents are in daily contact with landowners, some of whom would sell under the right circumstances but do not want their property listed publicly. These opportunities are not visible on traditional listing sites. Early access to new listingsWhen properties do hit the market, you need information quickly in order to act. A connected agent ensures you are notified right away so you can be competitive. Targeted outreach to specific propertiesIf there are particular properties you would consider, an agent can approach those landowners directly to explore a possible sale. Moving Forward Inventory may be tight, but that does not mean your plans to upgrade need to be put on hold. With the right strategy and the right representation, you can position yourself to make a smart move when the right property becomes available. If upgrading your property is something you want to explore, give us a call. We will work with you to strategize the best approach for your situation. Every Property Tells a Story™. Let LandGuys Tell Yours.

In a world moving faster by the minute, there are still places where things slow down. Where mornings start with coffee on the porch instead of conference calls. Where neighbors wave from tractors instead of traffic lanes. And where deals are not just signed but sealed with a handshake.  Across rural America, something steady is still happening. Families are reclaiming land. Young couples are starting homesteads. Retired farmers are handing down fields, not just for profit but for purpose.  At LandGuys, we see these moments every day. Behind every closing is a deeper story of grit, growth, faith, and family. Sometimes, those stories become the kind you never forget.  https://youtu.be/lM1m88xLxIU?si=gGmxCF-QrYrVqejo   When Land Becomes More Than Dirt: A Hobby Farm Dream When one couple moved from California to Illinois in the middle of a long winter, they had a clear vision: a little farmhouse with some acreage. Our LandGuys agent listened. They didn’t just send a link to a listing. They drove out in the cold to walk the property, took dozens of photos, and shared a detailed report on everything from the roof to the septic system.  Five days later, the couple put in an offer. Three months later, they were living their dream on a hobby farm with two mini-horses, three baby goats, 18 chickens, four cats, and two dogs.  “Our agent freely shared their knowledge and contacts for land, hay, property upgrades, and remodeling,” they said. “They are not only a professional and an invaluable resource, they have also become a great friend.”   - Andrea P.  When Land Becomes More Than Dirt: A Legacy in the Making For one father and son, owning a hunting property close to home was a lifelong goal. With our help, the search began. It didn’t end with finding a great piece of land. Our land agent spent hours on the road showing them options, explaining what to look for, and returning to walk their chosen property several times.  Even after closing, the conversations continued. They shared hunting strategies, checked deer activity, and talked about what was happening in the woods.  “The group at LandGuys are passionate about what they do,” they said. “Thanks to them my father and I will have years of great memories to come.  – John C.  The Stats Behind the Sentiment: The personal stories are powerful, but they’re not isolated moments. They’re part of a much bigger movement happening across rural America.  98% of U.S. farms are family-owned, contributing 85% of total agricultural production (USDA).  More than 60% of farmland is owned by the people who farm it, showing that ownership is still deeply personal and tied to family livelihood (ERS USDA).  The average age of a U.S. farmer is 58, meaning the next generation is stepping in to continue the story or start one of their own (Iowa State Extension).  These aren’t just statistics. They are signs that land has always been about something greater than the transaction.  Why These Stories Matter: We have seen grown men pause at the edge of a field, not because of its appraised value, but because it is finally theirs. Hand-drawn maps have been passed between generations. There is a quiet pride that comes with owning a piece of ground you can pass down. Land is more than a place on a map. It is history, hope, and a future. This is not just real estate. It is real life, rooted in values, passed through hands, and told through land. When land becomes more than dirt, it becomes your story. Every property tells a story™ Let LandGuys help you tell yours.