Given that at the time of a recent census, there were more than 2 million farms in the U.S and that agricultural exports continue to be a major source of income in the United States, it is obvious that farming still plays an enormous role in the current economy. However, determining the quality of the soil and the usability of the land for specific products is essential to the success of every farmer, regardless of the size of their farm.

Therefore, if you are shopping for farmland for the first time and you want to make sure that the property you ultimately select will allow you to meet your goals, it is a good idea to consider the following advice.    

Obtain a Copy of the Soil Survey for the Property You Are Interested In

When you are literally depending on the soil around you to make a living and support your family, it is essential to be sure that the soil is healthy and able to support growth. Fortunately, the first step in that process is as easy as getting a copy of the soil survey for the land in question.

The soil survey includes information on the soil type of each piece of land, which will allow you to determine if the property would be best suited for farming or as an area for livestock to live. If it is a good choice for growing crops, the soil survey can also indicate what type of food would be most likely to do well there. Since the majority of the U.S has been surveyed, you can depend on the accuracy and validity of that information.     

Determine What Previously Happened to the Land

It is important to note that although there are many ways that you can revitalize soil that has been over-used in the past, there are certain issues with the land that could be very expensive, very challenging or even impossible to overcome. For instance, many of the pesticides that were thought to be safe for many years are now known to be harmful to the general population.

That would often require treating the issue before using that land to grow crops and in some instances, you may need to wait a pre-determined period of time before attempting any new crop cultivation. Therefore, testing the soil is a good idea before committing to its purchase.

In conclusion, farming is still an important industry in the United States and it plays a big role in the country's economy. As a result, if you would like to buy farmland in the near future for the first time, the tips provided above will be quite useful. Learn more by contacting companies like Wellons Land and Timber Co.