Farmer-Landowner Match Program

The Land Conservancy partners with IL FarmLink and their Navigator program to help  connect farmers who are looking for land with landowners who have land that they want to lease or sell for agricultural use.

The program is intended for beginning farmers who need access to land. Conventional farmers who have been working in McHenry County over the years have built-in channels and ways of finding land, mostly through word-of-mouth or family. But often beginning frmers don’t have the same advantages.  

Also, many new farmers are looking for smaller tracts to grow “specialty crops” like fruits, vegetables, flowers and meat that they market through CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), farmers markets, local restaurants and retail stores. 

By making connections between beginning farmers and landowners, TLC hopes to help preserve local farmland and keep it available for the next generation of young people who want to farm it. The program promotes sustainable practices that ensure a productive, healthy local food system for our community for many generations to come.

If you are looking for land, or looking for someone to farm the land you own, please check out IL Farmlink’s website to Find Farmland or Find a Farmer or set up a free advising call with one of their Navigators.

You can also contact Claire chodge@conservemc.org at TLC for local connections and support.