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Walla
Walla Farm Management
SOME CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING AGRICULTURAL LAND Lifestyle Rural living is a lifestyle decision to which the benefits will far outlast any drawbacks. Having said that I would also add…rural living is nothing like living in the suburbs or the city. The transition for some can be a difficult one. Fantasies about living a peaceful, independent, existence in the country, far from the maddening crowds, can soon turn to feelings of isolation and hardship. Many people buy rural property on a weekend binge or because it’s the trendy thing to do. Deliberation and exploration should be made before packing up the wagon and heading out to the prairie. County governments do not provide the same level of service such as those in the city. Those who move to get away from urban problems soon discover they no longer have the same conveniences that living in the city provides. The transition can be educational to say the least. One can become very disillusioned with the hard work that comes with rural property ownership. Sometimes getting to work in the morning will mean rising before the sun to clear out a 500 foot drive way after a major snow storm. And in some cases not being able to get to work at all because the small county you live in only has two snowplows, which are not scheduled to dig you out for three days. Legal Considerations Prospective buyers of land are strongly advised to carefully inspect the property and make appropriate inquiries to determine whether there are any current or potential problems which could affect the use of the land for their intended purposes. Drawing up of a contract to protect a buyer from an unscrupulous seller should be considered. Included in the contract should be the purchaser's intended use of the land. The contract should contain provisions, which enable it to be terminated if you find out, or tests reveal unacceptable residue or disease problems. Written answers to key questions should be sought from the seller. Chemical Residues The presence of chemical residues in animal and plant products can have a major impact on their marketability. Community sensitivity and market resistance to residues are increasing. The residues of major concern to land purchasers are those which persist in soil for prolonged periods (years or even decades). Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) which were used in transformers and hydraulics, can leak and leave hot spots of contamination. Residues arising from the recent use of other chemicals can occur in animals and plants and persist for variable periods. Buyers should inspect the property for evidence of potential sites of residual contamination, such as pesticide storage sheds, used drums or disposal sites; buildings, garbage dumps; or abandoned transformers and hydraulic equipment. They should also inquire about current and past agricultural practices on the property and in the area, such as intensive vegetable, fruit, or tree farming, which could increase the risk of soil residues. Soil can be tested for specified residues. Livestock Issues Some livestock diseases can persist on contaminated land even when the property is de-stocked when sold. Again find out the history of a site before investing. Land that has been overgrazed can take years to return to its natural state. Land striped bare of vegetation can be highly eroded. Horses, sheep, and cattle allowed to graze too long on a particular piece of land can do irreparable damage to the ground. Proper management in the past and future can effect the worth of the property. There are many new land management techniques that maintain a proper balance no matter how small the acreage. Agricultural extension offices offer free information and advise as how to best utilize land in regards to livestock. Plant Diseases and Pests Land purchasers who intend operating a horticultural or cropping enterprise should make themselves aware of relevant disease and pest problems, protection zones, and regulations which apply in that county. The disease/pest history and current status of the property should be sought from the seller. Noxious Weeds Find out if the parcel of land you’re interested in has noxious weeds on it. A guide to common noxious weeds is available through the Walla Walla Weed Board or your County Extension office. If you buy a weed infested site you assume responsibility for those weeds, control of which can be quite expensive and legally binding. Walla Walla Weed Board Policy The policy of the Walla Walla Noxious Weed Control Board is to
assist all county residents in promoting good land stewardship while
meeting state and county laws. State law requires the Weed Board
to inventory noxious weeds in the county, administer county weed
board programs, and respond to weed complaints. For more information, contact Butch Bosley at 524-2688 or weedsww@bmi.net Noxious Animals and Insects The prospective purchaser should also inspect the property for signs of noxious animal and insect activity, and ask the current owner about any pest problems they experience. Other Conditions of Land Use There are a number of other factors, which could affect people buying agricultural land. Many farming industries are subject to licensing and other legal requirements. People must familiarize themselves with these requirements before engaging in an agricultural enterprise. Land Use Planning There are many features of agricultural land which may not be governed by legislation but which can significantly affect the land's suitability, productivity, amenity, and value. These include natural features such as topography, climate, soils, water availability, and natural vegetation. Infrastructure and other improvements such as road access, sheds, yards, fences, water and power supply, established horticulture, and overall farm layout are also important. The viability of any proposed agricultural enterprise or pursuit should be closely examined before land is bought with that purpose in mind. Marketing, enterprise requirements, farm planning, farming techniques, and business management should all be looked into.
Conclusion The buyer must be aware of and fully assess the suitability of a rural property for its intended purpose. This can include features which might not be readily evident; which the seller is not legally obliged to disclose; and which routine inquiries might not uncover. Other government agencies exercising control over land use should also be contacted before purchase to clarify any relevant matters. Ultimately, it is up to the purchaser and his/her agent to carefully inspect the property, examine the contract, and ask the right questions. RESOURCES For questions concerning water quality and wells: Walla Walla County Health Department For questions concerning well logs or to find out what the wells in a particular area produce: The Department of Ecology MASTER GARDENER PLANT CLINIC Land Use Regulations (County) County Planning Dept., 310 West Poplar, Walla Walla, WA 99362 County Watershed Planning Dept., WWCC Water & Environmental Center Bldg. County Code Enforcement Complaints (509) 524-2610 County Burn Permits (509) 524-2629
Adapted from Don Dysart. For more information, contact WSU Extension, (509) 524-2685 or email John Fouts fouts@wsu.edu
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