Land selection is the most consequential and least reversible decision a collective makes. The cheapest land is cheap for a reason — and sometimes that reason is fine (sparse population, remote location) and sometimes it isn't (no water access, poor soil, flood zone).
Key questions & considerations
- 1.Climate and growing season (affects every food production role)
- 2.Water access — well potential, spring, rainfall, rights
- 3.Soil quality — cheap land often means difficult soil; plan for soil building
- 4.Timber and natural resources on the property
- 5.Road access, proximity to town (60–90 mile supply run implications)
- 6.Zoning laws and water rights
- 7.Price per acre in target regions: Montana, Dakotas, northern Minnesota, Idaho