What’s the Best Time of Year to Sell a Farm?

Selling farmland is a big deal. Most of the time around here, folks have invested not only money, but special memories, in their land. There’s no double that saying goodbye to farmland can be tough. So when farmers and landowners finally come around to feeling ready, they want to know the best time to sell a farm. “What time of year should I put my land up for sale?”

The truth is, there isn’t one. There isn’t a “best time” of year to sell a farm. Farm sales occur all year long. If you’re seeking to know when it would be best to sell your land, here are a few factors to take into consideration.

Common Time to Sell

As we mentioned, farm sales occur all year long. However, the majority of farms sell between October and April. Part of why this is the case is due to the visibility of the land parcel. In the summer months the crops grow tall. As a result, it can be hard to get a good view of your land. 

Another reason farmers want to possess new farmland by early spring is to give themselves a chance to plant and harvest within the year. A grain farmer will want to possess land by March 1st or so in order to plan for fertilizer and seed purchases in November. If a farm is purchased after April, it becomes somewhat “worthless” to the farmer until the next spring.

Farm Type Matters

If your land is heavily timbered, that will affect when you should sell. There will be more demand for timbered areas in the fall if the land is good for hunting. Landowners want to sell when demand for their land is high. This creates competition and will (hopefully) get you multiple offers. September through March is the best window to sell timbered farms. 

If your land is mostly open and primarily used for growing crops, we have good news for you. Cropland will most likely sell all year long.

If your land is used to raise livestock, specifically cattle, consider when your cows are going to calve. Most likely, the new owner will want to possess the land before early spring in order to have possession when the calves are born.

Legal Considerations

Timing the sale of farmland becomes more complicated if you have any tenants. Each state has its own laws regarding how far in advance you’re required to notify your tenants before the sale of your farm takes place. According to Missouri law, farm tenancies that are renewed year to year require at least 60 days notice prior to the end of the lease year.

The bottom line is, there’s no “best time” to sell a farm. Ultimately, it boils down to finding the right buyer that’s willing to pay your asking price. If you’re able to offer them adequate visibility of the land and enough time to reap their own harvest, you’re more likely to find an appreciative buyer. Like we always say, you know a good sale took place when both parties walk away happy.

For buying tips, check out 6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Farm.