Many people dream of buying a farm and raising animals. With all of the high-quality land available in Volusia County, it’s fairly easy to make that dream a reality. The key to navigating the local land market is working with a local real estate broker who knows the area and can help you find the right land that can be used for your intended purpose. When buying land to raise animals, purchasing the right amount of land is important. But how do you know how much is enough?
If you’re trying to determine how much land is needed for raising animals in Central Florida, Palmetto Realty can help. Below, we’ll discuss what to look for when evaluating potential lots.
How Much Land Is Required To Raise Animals?
Determining how much land you need ultimately comes down to the type and quantity of the animals you’re planning to raise. For example, because cows graze off the land, you’ll need 2 acres for every cow-calf pair in order to keep them fed for an entire year. If you’re planning to raise pigs or chickens, you’ll need less land, but will also have to allocate more space for shelter. The right amount of land will depend on your goals.
You’ll need to distinguish between grazeable and non-grazeable acreage when buying land. If a property consists of rocky terrain, steep cliffs, large bodies of water, or building structures, then more acreage may be required to ensure your animals have an adequate food supply.
How To Choose Land For Raising Animals
Not all land is suitable for raising animals, so you’ll need to carefully consider what you need and all available options. The good news is there’s lots of land available for raising animals in Volusia County. Here are some specific things you’ll want to look for:
- Easy Access To Water
If you’re raising cows, horses, goats, or alpacas, you’ll want to ensure the property has a water source for drinking. Whether it’s a pond or a creek/stream that runs through the property, a reliable water source will be critical for raising/maintaining your animals. It’s also critical that the water source is high-quality and drinkable. - Zoning
Zoning laws can restrict what land can be used for, so if you’re planning on raising animals, you’ll want to be sure you’re purchasing land that is zoned for farming well before making an offer on the property. - Easements
Easements permit third parties to use your land for a specific purpose. If your potential land has easements, you’ll want to ensure you can live with them and that they don’t interfere with your ability to raise animals. - Land And Soil Health
You’ll also want to consider how the land was used and managed in the past as well as its current condition. Conduct a soil analysis to ensure there are adequate nutrients in the ground, so the property is able to grow and sustain a long-term grass supply. If the land is unhealthy or full of low-quality grass, you’ll need to consider the cost of land rejuvenation. - Infrastructure
Does the land come with any shelter or infrastructure such as a ranch or barn? Is there an overhead feeding bin? Or will you be planning to build and install these components on your own? If the property doesn’t contain the right infrastructure for raising animals, then you’ll want to factor in those costs before buying land. You’ll also want to make sure a decent portion of the land is suitable for construction.
Why It’s Important To Work With A Real Estate Agent
Land transactions are a highly specialized form of real estate that have many nuances. Therefore, it’s wise to work with a real estate agent who specializes in buying land. A good real estate broker like Palmetto Realty not only knows Volusia County but can also help you evaluate the quality of land to ensure it’s suitable for raising animals. We can also help you negotiate the best deal for the property and navigate all the complexities associated with the closing process.
If raising animals on a Central Florida farm is your goal, Palmetto Realty can help you get there. Contact us to start the land-buying journey today.