Aaron Blackmon, hog farmer and Extension agent from Bladenboro, N.C., advises others considering farm succession, whether with family members or a non-family member, to consider these six points. In 2023, he was able to purchase of a farm from the Singletary family whom he had worked for since he was 16 years old.
Don’t be afraid to have hard conversations.
“I didn’t go into it thinking that I wanted to get the farm,” Blackmon says. “That wasn’t the goal all along, but we started talking about it. It’s almost impossible for somebody that doesn’t inherit land or business to get started, so if it is something you’re interested in you have to talk about it. We could work toward a plan. It took a lot of hard conversations. If both parties can come together – a farm seeker and a person that’s trying to get out of business – to create a plan, I think that’s the best route.”
Farm owners should be willing to share their intentions, too.
“Sometimes people give some of these younger folks seeking a farm a false impression that they’re willing to sell when they really just want farm labor,” Blackmon says. “If you just want somebody to manage your place, be up front and say you’re not interested in selling. Then let them decide if they want to work for you.”
Recognize the value of mentorship in agriculture.
“Mentors are the foundation for the agricultural business,” Isaac says. “In Aaron’s case, he was not exposed to any kind of agricultural activity for two generations, other than just the backyard little farm.”
Working together allowed Blackmon and the Singletarys to get to know each other and build trust.
“We knew Aaron from the time he was 16, which made a great big difference,” Nina says. “He wasn’t somebody off the street who wanted to buy the farm. We knew him. We knew he would work hard and accomplish his goals.”
Create opportunities to gain experience when stakes are lower.
After working for Singletarys for a few years, Blackmon had the chance to manage one of the hog barns himself.
“It was a good entry into making business transactions. People can start acting funny when it comes to money,” Blackmon says. “Having the opportunity to rent land or equipment on a small scale is a good way to start. Isaac paid all the expenses up front, and we just settled in the end. I didn’t get paid until the end because that’s how farming is.”
Understand the time, resources and sweat equity owners put into their farms.
“I know the sacrifices Isaac and Nina made to buy and build that place, the times they went without, trying to stretch $1 just so that they can get to the point they are now,” Blackmon says. “They are secure in their retirement and still have inheritance for the next generation. I can appreciate the hard work they put into the farm.”
Because of the trust they had built through the years, the Singletarys knew Blackmon’s intentions were sincere.
“I’m not going to sell the farm and develop it,” Blackmon says. “They knew I was in it because I loved it, and I love them. They knew that I wouldn’t do anything that would hurt their legacy.”
Be patient.
“It takes time to build trust, and it takes time to have those conversations,” Blackmon says. “You’re not going to hash it all out in one conversation and expect them to sign a contract with you, then everything’s going to be ok.”
Blackmon says to set realistic expectations for making progress.
“We see a lot of people getting into business, and it seems like they go from like 10 acres to 2,000 acres overnight. And it’s just not that simple; it takes time to get there,” he adds. “I’m a very patient person for the most part and feel like things are going to work out the way they are meant to be.”
Prepare for the future now.
At only 29 years old, Blackmon doesn’t have a family or heirs yet, but he is making preparationsto ensure the farm remains viable and is hopeful he’ll be able to pass it down.
“Purchasing the farm is one thing, but there’s a lot of other stuff to think about,” he explains. “There are tax implications, accounts to create, liability and legal aspects to consider, and working with a lawyer who understands what you are trying to accomplish. I’m glad I had that mentorship and hope to be able to do that for somebody else, whether it’s my kids or someone else.”
Your next read: Beyond Bloodlines: How One Farmer Earned His Legacy
