A new crop of aspiring farmers and ranchers, with shovel in hand, are seeking agricultural opportunity in New Mexico. If your goal is to connect with a beginning farmer or rancher, the Central New Mexico LandLink can help. Our landlink is designed to connect you with the next generation of farmers and ranchers. We know that every landowner's circumstance is different, and we work with all types:

• Agricultural landowners who would like to lease their land to a beginning farmer or rancher,
• Existing farmers and ranchers who would like to mentor and / or partner with a beginning farmer or rancher,
• Retiring farmers and ranchers looking to pass on their land or operation on to the next generation of producers.

To enroll in the program fill out our online Landowner Questionnaire. When your application is received your information will be reviewed and you will be contacted for a brief follow-up interview. Next a personalized listing will be created and placed online for viewing. We welcome photos of your land to display with your listing, jpeg files can be sent directly to localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov. Your confidential information will be protected until both parties agree to take next steps in our matching process.

When aspiring farmers contact us with an interest in your land, or operation, we will contact you. We handle each situation with care to align common goals and needs of both parties to ensure the best chance at success.

There are some things as a landowner that you may want to consider:

• What is your one year, five year, and ten year plan for your land?
• What resources and additional assets do you have to offer a new farmer or rancher?
• How do you want to be involved?
• What land cost arrangement do you need to have in place with a beginning farmer or rancher?
• What limitations do you need to have in place?
• What values, practices, and goals to you expect from someone working your land, or joining your operation?

To enroll in the program fill out our online Landowner Questionnaire.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us directly at 505 724-3619, or at localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.org