Ways to help expand your farming operationIntroductionAnswer questionsListener Question: How have others been able to grow their farms?  I’d be interested in knowing what have been working for others to grow!Reminder to submit your questions to farm4profitllc@gmail.comGuestsCorey Hillebo  @corn_porkNbeansQ Connealy  @Qconnealy19  wakeboardingfarmer.comWhat’s working in Ag?Just that, how about we jump right into it this week and share from our network strategies, tips, and techniques that have helped them grow their farms!  We heard back from over 30 listeners, friends, and those on twitter about how they were about to grow their farms.We’ve put together over 20 headings for ways people have picked up ground or expanded their operations and will be breaking it into two different episodes for you.No Silver Bullets, but we can share examples that have workedPurchasing the landAuctionLand ListingPrivate SalePre-determined priceCreative Land Contracts20 year contract that started at a reduced price, with low interest rate and payments are based of the ISU Cash Rent Survey – payment flexibility @stalzer20 – Matt Stalzer of Haverhill, IAMost logical buyer – land next doorFirst to become aware of the land for saleCustom Farming @plotner_mike Mike Plotner Union County OhioPurchased a combine in high school to do custom work which got his name out.  Worked on growing his mechanical and business skills.NegotiationBreakevensPreparednessStepping up in times of needBeing timelyDoing a good jobCustom farming can lead to other forms of expansion too @mikebelan3 Mike Belan Lambton County OntarioMore custom farming acres50/50 crop sharingRent when done taking the riskSale when ready to get outLet your hard work and quality job show offRun your farm like a businessHire out what you aren’t good at. Do what you do best and find someone else to do the rest360 reviewPeople will notice from the outside inPositive perceptions will go a long wayFocus on doing better on the land that you have now to maximize the profitability there.  Then take the profits from your current operation to purchase more in expansion. Anonymous -  Central KansasTaking advantage of the discounts and package deals that come with larger acres and negotiating power.Taking care of what you already have and doing a good jobMowing ditches and water waysRemoving or building fencesPracticing the latest technologies or conservationFarmer did strip till and cover crops.  Land lord noticed that liked the program and offered the land for rent if he continued those practiced – anonymous IowaClean and maintained equipment and acreages – nothing has to be new“Keep Doing a Good Job and Someone will Notice” - @gbahan Gary Bahan Central OhioBuild strong relationships with current landlordsKeep in contact, share updates on their land, and show what you have been doing to benefit them.Share your intentions as a farm, if they don’t know what you want to become how can they help you get there?If you treat them well they may tell other land lords and it could expand that way. @landon707 – Landon Friesen Crystal City Manitoba CALandlords are most likely investors; if you can show them how you can help make them more money, then they will help you make more money.Share soil tests and yield dataEffectively including multiple generationsImpression of a successful family farm will provide positive views from land lordsWished they had that in their familyRemember having it from their parentsGives you the ability to delegate, connect more frequently with less effort, handle more tasksAdvisory Team and Network Referrals @MarkPGuy North Central, IAAgronomy SuppliersConnections to extended familyAdvisory TeamHow will they know to send you referrals if they don’t know your growth goals?Farm ManagersLawyers – Estate PlannersNRCS Office – Anonymous North Central IowaHad been utilizing the EQUIP program and attending meetings about soil health.  Was being social and recognized.Having a Good Lender – not conserva