Pork producers are wrapping up one of their most profitable years in recent history, with profitability expected to continue well into 2026, according to Kyle Hurley, vice president of agribusiness lending for GreenStone Farm Credit Services.

The industry has seen exceptional profitability throughout 2025, with producers averaging $40 or more profit per head over the last four months per Iowa State University’s pork profitability estimates. Even in October, it reported average profits of $34 per head.

“It’s been a really good year for most producers,” Hurley said. “We’ve had profits on average for the last 17 months, which is a pretty long run.”

Key drivers in pork industry profitability

The higher hog profitability in 2025 was driven by several key factors:

• Strong market hog prices throughout the year, supported by high value of pork carcasses and increased demand.
• Lower feed costs, mainly due to cheaper corn and soybean meal.
• The gap between hog prices and feed costs was unusually wide.
• High prices for competing proteins — like beef — boosted demand for pork.
• Growing domestic demand for pork remains a bright spot, with approximately 21.7 billion pounds consumed domestically in 2024.
• The industry is capitalizing on food trends including increased interest in high-protein diets and promoting pork’s taste, freshness and value proposition.
• Export demand remained relatively strong, even with some trade disruptions. July 2025 pork exports were 3% lower than July 2024, primarily driven by an 11% decrease in shipments to Mexico.
• Exports still represent a significant portion of production, with an estimated 7.1 billion pounds (more than 25%) exported in 2024, valued at $8.6 billion, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• The USDA pork cut-out — a composite value of pork primal cuts that estimates carcass worth — has stayed well above typical seasonal levels. “This high meat value supports cash hog prices because packers want the hogs when carcasses are valuable,” said Hurley.

Disease challenges persist

Despite strong profits, producers still face significant disease pressures that can impact operations:

• PEDv (Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea) and PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) continue disrupting production nationally.
• Michigan farms experienced several PEDv outbreaks early this winter.
• PEDv typically results in about four weeks of lost pig production per farm.
• Surviving pigs often grow more slowly.

“This has been an exceptionally bad year for PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) which has had an impact on the number of market hogs available,” said Mary Kelpinski, CEO of the Michigan Pork Producers Association.

Farms maintaining good herd health have seen the best profitability, while those battling disease have faced reduced margins, Hurley says.

Supply remains stable

The latest USDA Hog and Pigs report shows the U.S. sow herd down 2% from a year ago, farrowing intentions slightly lower and no significant expansion expected in pork production for next year.

Total 2025 pork production is forecast at 27.6 billion pounds, a decrease of less than 1% compared with last year’s production, according to USDA.

“Despite the profitability, there isn’t much of an expectation that there’s going to be a lot more hogs produced,” said Hurley.

Several factors prevent rapid industry growth, including high capital requirements for expansion, limited processing capacity, ongoing disease risks and asset fixity from previous investments.

“There’s room for some more pigs, but not a lot more pigs without some sort of larger structural change within the industry,” Hurley said. “If the country continues to produce roughly the same amount of pork, in the short term, I think there’s some good profit opportunities.”

The current profitability stands in sharp contrast to 2023, which Hurley called “one of the absolute worst in the history of the industry.”

In 2023, producers faced high feed costs from expensive corn and soybean meal, rising labor wages and utility costs and low hog prices.

“Those conditions were worse than the infamous 1998 crisis for some producers,” he says.

New marketing strategies

In May 2025, the pork industry launched the “Taste What Pork Can Do” campaign focusing on digital marketing based on consumer segmentation studies and pork’s flavor and versatility. The campaign also touts the health benefits of pork, while reaching out to different consumer groups with targeted messaging.

“Focusing on flavorful, familiar cuts, such as bacon, sausage and ham, the campaign will support category growth and ultimately encourage consumers to expand their pork experience with fresh products,” Kelpinski said. “Highlighting pork as an ingredient reminds consumers of pork’s flavor profile and versatility, characteristics that encourage consumers to explore more cultural and regional cuisines. The goal is to be the number one protein in flavor and expand pork from a special occasion protein to an everyday choice.”

Also pushing to advance the industry are technological improvements in 2026, including increased AI applications at the farm level, wider adoption of existing technologies, and efficiency improvements from new innovations.

Bottom line for producers

When comparing current futures prices for hogs against projected corn and soybean meal costs, “There are a lot of reasons to remain optimistic,” Hurley said.

Producers who maintained good herd health and managed price risk through hedging, purchasing Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) or Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) insurance, or forward contracting have positioned themselves well for continued success into 2026, Hurley says.

Amid food shortages during the Covid-19 Pandemic, southern Californian city girl, Tawney, and southern Illinois hunter, Chris, didn’t want to rely on grocery stores for meat anymore. So, when their local stores had limits on how much protein they could buy, they decided to start their own farm, Fluffy Butt Farms.

During this time farmers couldn’t sell their pigs to market because of Covid restrictions, but Chris was able to find a farmer selling pigs. With hesitation, as this is something that they had never done before, they brought the pig home. Chris and Tawney are grateful they took a risk, “This city girl loved every minute of it,” Tawney said.

Over the years, they continued raising pigs in their backwoods, but it brought questions to Tawney like, “How can we improve our operation?” This is when Chris and Tawney discovered GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth grant. They were struggling with understanding how to price their pigs and how to market them better. They decided they wanted to apply for the CultivateGrowth grant to attend Farrow to Finish Marketing School!

“The program mostly focused on rotational grazing, and lucky for us, they have the same topography we have. We got to tour the area and see firsthand how they moved the pigs. It was wonderful to see the practice in action,” Tawney said happily when talking about what she learned from the class.

“Then, the program moved into finances and marketing. It was the biggest areas of our operation I wanted to learn about, so that was a big impact for me personally.” Tawney learned how to create a new cost sheet, adjust the prices, and then started looking for new land to lease to allow them to expand their farm.

Now that Chris and Tawney have seen first-hand implementations that can make their operation better, they know exactly what changes they are going to make to drive forward.

“The more people we meet who share our same goal of raising our animals naturally, and the more knowledge we gain, the more inspired we are to continue. The CultivateGrowth grant really helped offset the expense of leaving the farm to attend this program. We are grateful GreenStone gave us the opportunity to help us grow as farmers.”

GreenStone is proud to support other young, beginning or small farmers like Chris and Tawney with the help from the CultivateGrowth program. To learn more about our CultivateGrowth program and what possibilities there are for you, click here.

After several years of record-high prices and unpredictable swings, the farm equipment market is beginning to rebalance. For many operations, especially small and mid-sized farms, this reset presents a meaningful opportunity to upgrade machinery at a lower cost. New equipment prices have leveled off but remain high in relation to falling commodity prices. However, late model used equipment prices have fallen from the sharp inflation of the post-pandemic years.

Industry data and on-the-ground observations indicate we are in one of the most favorable times in recent years for farmers to explore equipment purchases—provided those decisions are guided by sound financial analysis and long-term planning.

From Inflation Surge to Market Correction

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply-chain disruptions, government stimulus programs, and strong commodity prices combined to drive a historic spike in farm-equipment costs. Farmers who had cash on hand competed for limited inventory, sending both new and used prices sky high.

Thankfully, this trend has since leveled out, or in some cases, reversed. Used equipment values have declined consistently over the past two years as inventories have grown, and commodity prices have softened. According to Colton Vrable, an appraiser with GreenStone Farm Credit Services, the shift has been significant.

“Inventory levels are high at the dealer level, both new and used,” Vrable explains. “That higher supply is bringing prices down. We’re seeing year-over-year decreases in used-equipment values across nearly all categories.”

Vrable notes that combines have experienced some of the largest declines, while new-equipment prices are increasing only modestly—about 1 to 1.5% year over year—largely keeping pace with inflation and input costs such as steel, and a relief from post-pandemic years that saw annual prices rise as much as 5 to 7% annually. While new equipment prices have not declined at the rate commodity prices have, they have fallen to more historic levels of growth.

New Opportunities

Lower prices and greater selection mean many producers can replace outdated machinery with newer, more efficient models that were unaffordable just a few years ago. For these buyers, late-model tractors, combines, and implements often deliver significant gains in reliability and technology without the financial burden of brand-new equipment.

Vrable describes the current situation as a classic point in the agricultural cycle: “The market is cyclical. We’re in a downturn where equipment is cheaper than it has been. When the ag economy rebounds, prices will rise again.”

That cyclical pattern—declining values during low commodity periods and higher values during profitable years—suggests that the next uptick in commodity prices will again push equipment costs upward. For farmers considering upgrading, market shifts could provide an opportunity to invest and avoid the inevitably higher prices that will come with an improved ag economy.

Know Your Numbers

While current market conditions should be encouraging to some producers, the decision to invest in equipment must begin with a careful assessment of financial capacity. Each operator should “know their numbers” to best align market conditions with business goals and make sound financial decisions.

In the current rate environment, interest differences between five-, six-, and seven-year equipment loans are relatively small. Extending loan terms may improve cash flow and reduce financial strain, provided the equipment’s useful life supports the term.

GreenStone offers financing for both new and used equipment with repayment terms up to seven years. Equally beneficial to the farmer, GreenStone does not impose strict limitations based on the equipment’s age or usage hours. This flexibility allows borrowers to structure payments that complement their farm’s revenue cycle and capital strategy.

Sound borrowing decisions rely on accurate accounting and financial awareness. Farmers who understand their operating costs, break-even points, and annual obligations are best positioned to determine what level of debt their operation can support. A disciplined approach goes a long way in ensuring that an attractive purchase price translates into a sustainable long-term investment.

Evaluating Value and Timing

Determining whether an equipment upgrade is appropriate should be guided by measurable value. The true cost of ownership—purchase price, maintenance, repair, and operating efficiency—should be compared against projected productivity gains.

For example, if replacing an older tractor reduces hourly operating costs considerably while improving reliability, the financial return may justify the investment even in a cautious market. On the other hand, purchasing equipment that exceeds the operation’s needs or repayment capacity can create unnecessary risk.

Vrable encourages farmers to use multiple reliable sources when assessing equipment values. Online platforms such as Tractor House and Machinery Pete provide recent sale listings and auction data that reflect regional trends. He also recommends utilizing the Purdue Ag Economy Barometer, which tracks nationwide agricultural sentiment and capital-investment intentions.

“Being diligent about research goes a long way,” advises Vrable. “Look at the most recent sales in your area. The market has changed quickly, and using up-to-date information helps farmers make better-informed decisions.”

The Relationship Advantage

Working closely with a trusted lender remains one of the most effective ways to navigate equipment purchases. GreenStone’s relationship-based approach allows lenders to understand each customer’s financial situation and operational goals, ensuring loan structures align with realistic repayment capacity.

Lenders can also help producers evaluate timing. Because equipment and commodity prices often move together—with equipment prices lagging several months behind commodity shifts—lenders familiar with market cycles can provide valuable perspective on when to buy or hold.

Farmers uncertain about their equipment values can request professional fee appraisals through GreenStone. Understanding the fair-market value of existing equipment can strengthen trade-in negotiations and clarify the financial impact of upgrades.

Positioning for Long-Term Success

The recent market correction underscores the importance of patience and preparation in capital-equipment planning. Producers who held off on upgrading during the extreme price inflation of the post pandemic years now find themselves in a more balanced environment where disciplined financial management can yield real advantages.

High inventory levels give buyers leverage, but the key to long-term success is ensuring any purchase complements the farm’s overall strategy. Matching the right piece of equipment to the right financial plan enables efficiency improvements without jeopardizing stability.

As Vrable observes, “There’s more bargaining power now with how high the inventory is on dealer lots. If an operation has the numbers in place, it’s a good time to make some changes.”

Farmers considering new or used equipment should begin by reviewing their balance sheets, updating cash-flow projections, and consulting with their lender. With clear financial insight and professional guidance, producers can identify opportunities that enhance productivity and maintain healthy margins.

Looking Ahead

The agricultural economy will continue to evolve, but the fundamentals of smart investment remain constant: know the numbers, understand the market, and make decisions grounded in long-term sustainability.

Used-equipment prices have declined to their most reasonable levels in years, while new-equipment costs have stabilized but remain high in comparison to commodity prices. For operations positioned to invest, the combination of lower used equipment prices, ample inventory, and flexible financing options provides a rare opportunity to strengthen capacity for the seasons ahead.

By pairing market awareness with disciplined financial planning, farmers that know their numbers have the opportunity to transform today’s price correction into tomorrow’s competitive advantage.

 

This article was originally published in Michigan Farm News. 

Think you can’t afford to own recreational land? Think again!

Many people dream of buying their own land as a rural getaway, a long-term investment to pass down to future generations, a future home site or for additional income. As land prices continue to increase, many people are skeptical of whether they can afford to own land. As your recreational land financing expert, here are ways to make owning your dream property more affordable.

Create your dream getaway, gradually

Perhaps you dream of a getaway property with a custom log cabin, a fish-stocked pond and a pole barn to store your outdoor toys. It’s important to have goals, but they might not be immediately attainable within your current budget. Consider purchasing as your budget allows. Gradual progress on a piece of land you own can be mentally fulfilling, budget-friendly, and a great way to build family memories.

Create a profitable side hustle

Landowners have more options than ever before to create an additional revenue stream using their rural property. Services such as HipCamp and AirBnB make renting your cabin, camper or vacant land much less of a hassle. This income might even cover a portion of your mortgage payments each month. Part-time farming, including fruits or vegetables, livestock or beekeeping, is another clever way to make your land work for you. Other ideas include leasing your land for hunting, solar or wind farms or crop farming. Depending on your municipal zoning laws, you may even consider using the property as a location for a part-time retail or service business.

Buy land as a group

Many friends and family members have found buying vacation property or hunting land as a group can make payments more affordable. The key to peacefully co-owning property is to set clear ground rules and expectations in advance to avoid misunderstandings and assumptions, and to seek professional legal advice before signing on the dotted line. This could include forming an LLC. For more on this topic, see our blog, Tips for Buying Group Hunting Land.

Rethink your annual family vacation expenditures

The average American family of four will spend $7,936 on a one-week vacation. For a similar annual expenditure, that family could make monthly payments on a nice chunk of vacant land. Loan costs and payment amounts vary based on several factors, which you will want to review with your financial services officer for more accurate and specific details, but you may be surprised when you calculate it out. Not only does owning land offer a potential getaway, it is not limited to one week since you have access to the property year-round. It could also represent a sound investment allowing you to build equity while enjoying your land. Purchasing a getaway property that can be passed down through generations is great for creating priceless memories for current and future family members.

Consider a land contract

If you identify land you want to buy, talk to the seller and see if they would consider a land contract, particularly if you already lease the land or are familiar with the owner. This option allows you to navigate directly with the seller, which could mean a lower down payment requirement and more affordable monthly payments. Many terms of a land contract are negotiable such as down payment, interest rate, term, balloon period, use of land and more.

You may consider working with a real estate attorney who can help determine the specifics of the deal or draft the contract directly with the seller. With a land contract, the seller acts as the financier or bank and may require a balloon period where the loan becomes due in full after two, three or five years, but is willing to base the monthly payments on a typical 30-year repayment schedule. The payments you make each month will go partially towards the principal balance and partially to interest just like they would if you were working with a bank or credit union.

Once you are ready to pay off the land contract, your lender can evaluate the value of the property and determine your loan to value ratio. Once determined, work with your financial services officer to look at your current land contract balance to reduce or lower the additional down payment needed for your loan with GreenStone.

Get creative with your down payment

GreenStone typically requires a standard down payment on a vacant land loan. If you don’t have ample cash at your fingertips, get creative! In some cases, equity in a home or other owned property could be used as collateral rather than a cash down payment. Consult with a lending expert to discuss options for your unique situation.

Want to get started financing your own piece of paradise? Visit our Recreational Land webpage for more information. When you’re ready to take the next step toward purchasing your own getaway place, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local GreenStone branch for more information!

Timber markets across Michigan and northern Wisconsin have faced significant volatility in recent years, following a stretch of relatively strong performance.

According to Corey Fanslau, vice president of traditional lending at GreenStone Farm Credit Services, the sharp fluctuations in timber markets stem from a combination of interrelated factors—rising interest rates, shifting housing demand, changing supply levels, trade policy uncertainty and uneven performance across wood product segments. Higher borrowing costs have dampened both home purchases and new construction, with housing starts down 11% year over year as of August 2025.

“In the COVID years, a lot of people had nothing better to do, so they went to the local lumber store, and purchased products for remodeling or additions. It gave the industry a spark for a couple of years, but that has since tapered off as both interest rates and inflation increased,” Fanslau said.

At the same time, the cost of fuel, tires, filters, equipment, maintenance and labor costs all increased. “Like farming, timber is a commodities-driven market where price is driven by demand,” he added.

In Wisconsin, forest products jobs fell sharply from 25,607 in 2001 to 6,947 in the third quarter of 2024 — a 46% decrease — according to the Wisconsin Council on Forestry’s 2024 Industry Trends Final Report. Michigan has lost about 1,100 forestry jobs since 2019, according to The Timberland Investor.

Wisconsin also had mill closures in Goodman, Mattoon and Rice Lake in August 2024, as reported in the Wisconsin Council on Forestry’s December 2024 final report.

State of the market

The timber market has been oversupplied. Mills are operating below capacity due to excess inventory, which is contributing to lower prices for loggers.

“Papermills and sawmills have reduced production in response to market conditions,” said Fanslau. “There is some hope that the recent federal interest rate cut announcement may help stimulate economic activity and housing demand. “Additional pulp production could help offset the dip in demand for hardwood. That was the hope for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula when it’s largest timber buyer, Swedish pulp and paper company Billerud — formerly Verso Corporation — announced a $1 billion investment to convert its Escanaba, Mich., plant into a cartonboard production facility.

The conversion was later canceled, and the investment was trimmed to $127 million due to economic factors and construction challenges. Billerud also has paper converting facilities in Quinnesec, Mich., and Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. “This left loggers with excess expensive equipment and little to no income,” said Dalton Hanchek, a GreenStone financial services officer based in Escanaba.

Recent investments by the Escanaba paper mill — though smaller than initially planned — have renewed demand for wood, supporting logging businesses, Hanchek explains.

“There is continued demand for cardboard and paperboard, which benefits the industry. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent cash flow, high equipment and repair costs, and the industry’s dependency on the paper mills’ operational decisions,” he said. “The recent pickup in demand for wood has helped some loggers recover financially.”

The industry is cautiously optimistic, according to Hanchek. Industry experts expect modest price increases of between 3-5% roughly in line with inflation — according to Miller Wood Trade’s 2025 Hardwood Purchasing Handbook. Limited supply capacity may drive prices higher in the second half of 2025.

However, short-term obstacles have also caused upheaval. “In the northern U.P., Baraga, Houghton, Ontonagon and Gogebic counties, heavy rain and wet conditions have hindered loggers’ ability to access the woods and haul wood, particularly in Baraga and Ontonagon,” Hanchek said. “Those conditions have traditionally come during the breakup season in the spring, not in late summer and fall.”

Other factors impacting the market were a massive ice storm in Northern Michigan that damaged or destroyed more than three million acres of public and private forest. Clean-up efforts have provided some opportunities but have been hindered by excess inventory.

The smaller mills and hand cutting crews of central and southern Michigan specialize in high-value hardwoods. Like their neighbors to the north, they too have begun to feel the negative impact caused by uncertainty in global markets.

“Michigan’s forest products industry continues to demonstrate resiliency during these volatile times,” said Julie Judge, a GreenStone financial services officer based in Cadillac, Michigan. “The mill and logging industries are deeply rooted in our state’s history and culture and will continue to provide jobs and economic opportunities despite these challenges.”

New uses for timber

Mass timber buildings are structures that “are constructed with large pre-manufactured, multilayered, solid wood panels resulting in solid timber floors and walls typically ranging from 5 to 12 inches in thickness, according to the American Wood Council. Mass timber is gaining popularity in commercial construction where cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels replace concrete, brick and steel.

Michigan State University recently built the state’s largest mass timber building, the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility, on the site of the former Shaw Lane Power Plant next to Spartan Stadium. The two new mass timber wings provide 117,000 square feet of modern teaching labs and collaborative space.

“It’s a more environmentally friendly, renewable resource that can go up quite quickly, which also provides a better work environment with better aesthetics and acoustics,” Fanslau said. “It’s an exciting new avenue that could use up a lot of our wood product.”

Workforce investments

Logging is much like the farming industry. The average age of loggers continues to climb.
“We need more new blood in the industry, but it’s hard because there are a lot of barriers to entry, particularly from a capital perspective. Equipment is expensive, and attracting labor is difficult,” said Fanslau.

GreenStone is partnering with the Michigan Association of Timbermen and the Great Lakes Timber Producers Association to provide simulator machines in high schools, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn about the timber industry.

“It simulates sitting in a harvester and harvesting timber,” he said. “It’s a 3-D experience with video – giving kids a real-life simulation.”

According to Fanslau, educating the next generation about the timber industry, and the career opportunities it presents, couldn’t be more important.

GreenStone Farm Credit Services is pleased to announce Brett Dutcher as its new executive vice president and chief information officer, effective Nov. 1.

Current executive vice president and chief information officer Steve Junglas will retire on Feb. 3, 2026, after 22 years of dedicated service with GreenStone. Junglas will assist in Dutcher’s transition in the role of executive vice and strategic advisor until his retirement. Throughout his tenure at GreenStone, Junglas played a key role in leading GreenStone’s technology initiatives and large-scale projects contributing to the organization’s continued growth.
As executive vice president and chief information officer, Dutcher will oversee all information technology operations and strategic initiatives, ensuring continued support and advancement for GreenStone.

“Brett will play a crucial role in shaping and implementing our information technology strategy aligned with GreenStone’s overall business plan and organizational direction,” said GreenStone President and Chief Executive Officer, Travis Jones. “His strategic insight, extensive industry knowledge, and experience across different roles within GreenStone’s Information Services department will help us remain at the forefront of rapidly evolving technological advancements while maintaining the security of our members’ information.”

Bringing progressive experience in information systems, Dutcher most recently served as GreenStone’s senior vice president of application services. Beginning his tenure more than 10 years ago at GreenStone as a quality assurance analyst, Dutcher also served as an application systems analyst before joining the cooperative’s leadership team as an information technology manager. Dutcher holds a bachelor’s degree in information systems from Central Michigan University.

“I’m honored to continue to move our association forward through the innovation of our information technology systems, processes, and people. I am passionate about finding solutions that benefit our cooperative through keeping the best interest of our members at the forefront of every decision we make,” said Dutcher.

“Brett has already made an impact on our association. We look forward to his continued success in this new role,” Jones said.

Falling leaves and cooling temperatures have many hunters once again dreaming about having their own land to harvest trophy bucks and build memories. Owning your own hunting land isn’t just about the thrill of the hunt; it’s about freedom, investment, and a place that can be passed down for generations. Here are five reasons to buy hunting land.

1. You Call the Shots

When you own land, you make the rules. From scouting to prepping the property out of season, you are free to curate your hunting experience. And come opening day, there is no competing for the best spot. You can make your own outdoor paradise customized for your needs.

You decide who hunts and when, ensuring a safer, more enjoyable experience. You also control how your land is managed. Intentional property management is to hunting land what fertilizer is to a crop field, it an environment that yields a better experience.

2. Land Holds Value

The universe isn’t making more land, so any acreage you buy is, in fact, an investment. Purchasing hunting land can be a strategy for building equity while retaining a practical use for a property.

Historically, land values steadily grow over time, as opposed to other investment vehicles like the stock market, which can be riskier due to additional volatility.

Buying your own land also means you can sell it down the road and make a profit, as opposed to leasing or renting hunting land. Any improvements you make to your property can be considered when it comes to evaluating the value of your property.

If a plot next to yours goes up for sale, it may be an opportunity for further investment. You can expand your acreage using one of the different loan options offered at GreenStone. Many of these options require less money down and have favorable loan terms.

You can also build on your land – whether you’re looking to retire in the country, have a rustic cabin getaway spot for your family, or have a place to crash during winter snowmobiling.

3. Make It Yours

If you’re a deer hunter, you know there are certain conditions that attract whitetails for the perfect hunting experience. When you own your own hunting land, you get to improve your habitat to create your ideal conditions for hunting, and for the health of the wildlife that calls your property home.

Land ownership means the opportunity to plant food plots and create water features for wildlife. You can also build a permanent deer blind in your favorite spot.

By owning your own land, you can also harvest timber on the land. This not only puts more money in your pocket, but it allows new undergrowth creating a thicker environment great for deer bedding, food, and leisure.

If you plan on spending days at a time hunting, you can take it a step further and build a cabin or cottage to sleep in or create a more permanent hookup for a camper. As mentioned above, these improvements to your property can also add to its value.

4. Supports the Future

Hunting and spending time in the great outdoors with your children and grandchildren, friends or significant other is a great way to build memories that last a lifetime. When you own your own hunting land, you can create a safe, enjoyable experience for all. It’s also a great opportunity to teach your children or grandchildren hunting, trapping and fishing while contributing to the health of our wildlife habitats.

Adding a cabin to your property can be a perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and spend time unplugged with your family and close friends.

Having extra land also allows you to pass down property to future generations because, as mentioned, the supply of land is limited.

5. Earn Extra Cash

You may ask yourself “How can I make hunting land ownership more affordable?” Well, when you’re not enjoying your hunting land, other people can, and that can help your bottom line!

If you have a cabin or even a camper on your land, you can rent it out on sites like Airbnb and VRBO to earn extra income.

You can also lease part of your land to other hunters on an annual or seasonal basis. If your property includes ground suitable for farming, you can lease it to local farmers.

This extra land could also allow you to pick up some hobbies like beekeeping, selling fruits and vegetables or harvesting timber. These options can serve as great side hustles, also providing you with additional income.

Getting Started

GreenStone specializes in financing land and can help make obtaining a land loan convenient and easy. With long-term fixed rates, flexible financing options such as potentially using owned property as equity, and ability to offer group hunting loans for purchases with friends and family, we can help make recreational land affordable.

Use our loan calculator to see how affordable your piece of paradise could be!

Ready for next steps? Connect with a GreenStone rural land financing expert today.

Visit GreenStone’s Facebook page during the month of November for your chance to win a Revolver Pro 360 Cellular trail camera and $150 Jay’s Sporting Goods gift card!

Participation in the giveaway is simple: visit our Facebook page’s designated Capture the Wild contest post during the entry period to comment your best trail cam picture or photo of the great outdoors! After you comment on our Capture the Wild contest post, you will automatically be entered in a random drawing to win the trail camera and gift card! You can also fill out our quick survey HERE in addition to commenting your photo to receive 5 Bonus Entries!

Here’s what you need to know:

• The contest begins on November 3, 2025, and concludes on November 21, 2025
• One Revolver Pro 360 Cellular trail camera and $150 Jay’s Sporting Goods gift card will be given away to the first lucky, randomly drawn participant
• One Revolver Pro 360 Cellular trail camera and $100 Jay’s Sporting Goods gift card will be given away to the second lucky, randomly drawn participant
• A $50 Jay’s Sporting Goods gift card will be given away to the third lucky, randomly drawn participant
• Participants do not need to make any purchases to enter
• Participants must be 18 years or older to participate
• Participants must live in Michigan or Wisconsin to be eligible to win
• Winner must contact GreenStone via Facebook private message by December 2, 2025, to provide their contact information in order to receive the prize

[More details in the official rules below]

GreenStone Farm Credit Services looks forward to highlighting our recreational land financing options throughout the fall! To learn more about how GreenStone can help you capture the wild through recreational land financing, visit our site!

Join us on Facebook to Capture the Wild!

Official GreenStone Capture the Wild Rules:
NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. The promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook.

• Eligibility: This Sweepstake is open only to those who participate by commenting on the GreenStone Farm Credit Service’s Facebook page under the specific Sweepstake post during the specified time frame and who are 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry. The Sweepstake is only open to legal residents of Michigan and Wisconsin and is void where prohibited by law. Participants cannot win a prize more than once. Employees of GreenStone Farm Credit Services, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and immediate family members and those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Sweepstake. The Sweepstake is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.
• Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Sweepstake participant (“You”) agree to be fully and unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept as final and binding the decisions made by GreenStone Farm Credit Services as it relates to the content of this Sweepstake.
• Sweepstake Period: Entries will be accepted online starting with the Facebook Sweepstake post on November 3, 2025. Entries can be submitted until November 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST. The randomly selected winners will be drawn on November 24, 2025 and notified on November 25, 2025.
• How to Enter: The Sweepstake must be entered by commenting on the designated post as directed on the GreenStone FCS Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GreenStoneFCS. Comments that are incomplete or do not adhere to the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. You must provide the information requested. You may enter one comment/entry per post per the life of the contest. Multiple comments will not increase your odds of winning, as we will base selection on the first comment you made. If you use fraudulent methods or otherwise attempt to circumvent the rules, your submission may be removed from eligibility at the sole discretion of GreenStone Farm Credit Services.
• Additionally, you may elect to fill out and submit GreenStone’s survey via this Link or using the link provided in the designated post for an additional five bonus entries. These entries are subject to form completion, and having already commented an entry photo on the designated post. Filling out the form multiple times will not increase your entries or chances of winning. Only one survey per person may be completed for the life of this contest.
• Prizes: Three Winners will be chosen by random from the entries received and those Winners will receive one Revolver Pro 360 Cellular trail camera and $150 Jay’s Sporting Goods gift card if they’re the random first drawn participant, one Revolver Pro 360 Cellular trail camera and $100 Jay’s Sporting Goods gift card if they’re the random second drawn participant, and a $50 Jay’s Sporting Goods gift card if they’re the random third drawn participant. Actual/appraised value may differ at time of prize award. The specifics of the prize shall be solely determined by GreenStone Farm Credit Services. No cash or other prize substitution shall be permitted except at GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ discretion. The prize is nontransferable. Any and all prize-related expenses, including without limitation any and all federal, state, and/or local taxes, shall be the sole responsibility of Winner. No substitution of prize or transfer/assignment of prize to others or request for the cash equivalent by a Winner is permitted. Acceptance of a prize by a Winner constitutes Winner’s permission granted to GreenStone Farm Credit Services to use Winner’s name, likeness, and entry for purposes of advertising and trade without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.
• Odds: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
• Winner Selection and Notification: Three Winners from the Sweepstake entries will be chosen at random by GreenStone Farm Credit Services. The Winners will be announced on Facebook November 25, 2025; Sweepstake comments will be eligible for the life of the contest. GreenStone Farm Credit Services shall have no liability for a Winner’s failure to receive notices due to Facebook notifications, spam, junk email or other security settings or for a Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If a Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, or fails to claim the prize by December 2, 2025, the prize may be forfeited. The Winners must contact GreenStone FCS via Facebook private message with their mailing address by December 2, 2025 to receive their prize. Receipt by Winners of the prizes offered in this Sweepstake is conditioned upon compliance with any and all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES BY A WINNER, AT GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES’ SOLE DISCRETION, WILL RESULT IN WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS WINNER OF THE SWEEPSTAKE, AND ALL PRIVILEGES AS WINNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED.
• Rights Granted by You: By entering this Sweepstake, You understand and agree that GreenStone Farm Credit Services, anyone authorized to act on behalf of GreenStone Farm Credit Service, and GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ licensees, successors, and assigns, shall have the right, where permitted by law, to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity and throughout the World, without limitation, your entry, name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, image, statements about the Sweepstake, and biographical information for news, publicity, information, trade, advertising, public relations, and promotional purposes, without any further compensation, notice, review, or consent.
• By entering this Sweepstake, You represent and warrant that your Facebook Sweepstake comment is your original comment and does not violate any third party’s proprietary or intellectual property rights. If your Facebook comment infringes upon the proprietary or intellectual property right of another, You will be disqualified at the sole discretion of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. If the content of your Facebook comment is claimed to constitute infringement of any proprietary or intellectual proprietary rights of any third party, you shall, at your sole expense, defend or settle against such claims. You shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless GreenStone Farm Credit Services from and against any suit, proceeding, claims, liability, loss, damage, costs or expense, which GreenStone Farm Credit Services may incur, suffer, or be required to pay arising out of such infringement or suspected infringement of any third party’s right.
• Terms & Conditions: GreenStone Farm Credit Services reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstake should virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other cause beyond GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper conduct of the Sweepstake. In such case, GreenStone Farm Credit Services may select the Winner from all eligible Facebook comments received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by GreenStone Farm Credit Services. GreenStone Farm Credit Services reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstake or website, or violates these Terms & Conditions. GreenStone Farm Credit Services has the right, in its sole discretion, to maintain the integrity of the Sweepstake, to void Facebook comments for any reason, including, but not limited to: multiple Facebook comments on same post from the same user from different IP addresses; multiple Facebook comments from the same computer in excess of that allowed by Sweepstake rules; or the use of bots, macros, scripts, or other technical means for entering. Any attempt by an entrant to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstake may be a violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such attempt be made, GreenStone Farm Credit Services reserves the right to seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.
• Limitation of Liability: By commenting on a Sweepstake post, You agree to release and hold harmless GreenStone Farm Credit Services and its subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers, and directors from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from: (i) such entrant’s participation in the Sweepstake and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof; (ii) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunction of any computer, cable, network, server, hardware or software, Facebook page, or other mechanical equipment; (iii) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any transmissions, telephone, or Internet service; (iv) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Sweepstake; (v) electronic or human error in the administration of the Sweepstake or the processing of comments.
• Disputes: THIS SWEEPSTAKE IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF the United States of America AND the state of Michigan, WITHOUT RESPECT TO CONFLICT OF LAW DOCTRINES. As a condition of participating in this Sweepstake, participant agrees that all disputes that cannot be resolved between the parties and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstake, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, exclusively before a court located in Michigan having jurisdiction. Further, in any such dispute, under no circumstances shall participant be permitted to obtain awards for, and hereby waives all rights to, punitive, incidental, or consequential damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees, other than participant’s actual out-of-pocket expenses (i.e. costs associated with entering this Sweepstake). Participant further waives all rights to have damages multiplied or increased.
• Privacy Policy: Information submitted with an entry is subject to the Privacy Policy stated on the GreenStone Farm Credit Services website. View the Privacy Policy here.
• Winners List: To obtain a copy of the Winners’ names or a copy of these Official Rules, mail your request along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Attn: Marketing and Public Relations Department, 3515 West Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48823. Requests must be received no later than December 8, 2025.
• Sponsor: The Sponsor of the Sweepstake is GreenStone Farm Credit Services, 3515 West Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, USA.

The Sweepstake hosted by GreenStone Farm Credit Services is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook.

Anthony and Brandy Dixon had grandparents who farmed, and they both grew up with intentions of farming in their future goals. Staying true to themselves, this marks their fourth season in official operation and their first-year farming their 60 acre grain operation and their cut-flower farm in Monroe County. Anthony said “At our flower farm, From The Ground Up, we sell pre-made bouquets my wife makes, a self-serve you-pick set up, and separate from that we grow various grains.”

Feeling a need for some guidance, the Dixons joined GreenStone’s mentorship program. “We were hoping to get someone to come alongside us so we could ask and bounce the questions off of,” Anthony noted.

GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth Mentorship is an 18-month program that pairs young, beginning, and small farmers with a more experienced mentor to gain hands-on experiences and knowledge. The program begins with a day of training to help equip everyone for the year as mentor and mentee. It also includes several coordinated conversations and site visits to both mentor and mentee farms throughout the year. Some key areas of focus include creating an effective business plan, managing risk, utilizing resources, and overseeing day-to-day operations.

The Dixons were placed with an operation that is multi-generational and focuses on agritourism like they do. Mentors and mentees are placed together based on operation scope and size, but also ensuring they are located in different areas of the state. The distance allows for open conversation, idea-sharing, and mutual encouragement.

“The program is going well,” Brandy shared. “It has been beneficial, especially when we dealt with the set-back, a wrong spray mix being applied to our crops which killed them. Our mentor helped walk us through how to handle the situation effectively.”

Whether it is assistance in dealing with setbacks, a celebration when harvest is over, or simply having an ear to listen, the Dixons were able to get placed with a mentor they can rely on.

As the Dixons expand their operation they continue to learn with their mentor. Anthony concluded, “We are excited to continue to get a feel for the basics; it’s going to be a learning curve each year.”

Anthony and Brandy are embracing that learning curve head on, working to strengthen their operation and refine their skills. Through their mentorship, the couple has gained many valuable insights and inspiration for future growth. They have learned more about sustainable practices, such as no-till, cover cropping, and the realities of farming full-time. Anthony and Brandy are eager to continue building on that knowledge.

Like many young, beginning, and small farmers, there will always be a learning curve when trying out new techniques or equipment, but with guidance and support, that curve becomes a path towards growth and success.

GreenStone is proud to have a mentorship program that encourages both mentors and mentees to expand their vision and assist one another as the need arises. For more information on our CultivateGrowth resources, click here.

Michigan and Wisconsin each sport around seven million acres of public land available for hunting. However, nearly 90% of the deer harvested in America’s Dairyland and The Great Lakes State each year are shot on private land, according to the National Deer Association. Public land can be crowded, and many hunters resort to an “anything brown is down” mentality due to increased competition. Additional traffic on public land not only drives off many deer, but it can create safety concerns when many hunters are attempting to hunt the same area. Public land also limits the amount of preparation hunters can do ahead of their hunts and eliminates the ability to invest in the land and perform habitat management. For hunters seeking to improve their hunting experience, leasing private land is an age-old solution. A common scenario is for a hunter – or group of hunters – to lease out of season farmland for use during a specified window of time during hunting season. Hunting leases offer multiple advantages to hunting on public land, including less pressure on the animal population because of controlled access to the area. However, leasing land has drawbacks as well. For hunters seeking the ultimate experience, offering the most autonomy to control their environment and improve it over time, and the most freedom to use the land outside of hunting season, land ownership can be the best solution. Here are five reasons why buying recreational land might be your best option for improving your hunting experience.

Autonomy & Hunting Experience

Public land and leased land both limit your autonomy. Owning recreational land for hunting allows you to fully curate your experience. Whether you want to invest in improving the land, or limit access to yourself or a select few friends and family, you control the variables. When you own the property, gone are the days of competing for the best spot on opening day.

Habitat Management

When you own recreational land, you can make long-term habitat improvements that can impact your hunting experience over time. Planting food plots, adding trees or clearing timber, encouraging growth of bedding areas, cutting trails, or adding water sources – the sky is the limit. Year after year, by observing your property you can see how your efforts have positively or negatively impacted your results during hunting season and decide what you’d like to do differently before the next season.

Year-Round Use

When you buy recreational land for hunting, you gain the added benefit of having access to your land 365 days a year. Outside of hunting season, and beyond prepping for next season, you can use your land for camping, ATVing or snowmobiling, hiking, fishing, a place to host gatherings or events, or anything else you’d like to do with it. Recreational land can even serve as a site for a future cabin or home. When you own the land, it’s yours to do what you like, and the possibilities are endless!

Traditions & Memories

Not only does owning your own land provide more opportunities to use and develop the land, owning your own recreational property also provides a place to build lasting memories and value that can be passed down for generations. From taking your child out on their first hunt to hosting your family’s annual get-together, your property can become a canvas on which you paint beautiful memories for years to come.

An Investment in Your Future

The saying, “land – they aren’t making any more of it,” begs the question, “is hunting land a good investment?” Beyond the benefits associated with the use of a property, purchasing land can be a good financial investment that grows in value over time. Unlike lease payments where you’re paying for the limited use of a property, when you own your own property, you are building equity with each mortgage payment you make. In addition to natural increases in value a piece of property may enjoy due to supply and demand and market factors, landowners can actively increase the value of their land as well. Much like how one may purchase a home as a fixer-upper and increase its value through investing in renovations, making improvements to your recreational land can also increase its value.

Why Own Recreational Land for Hunting?

Owning recreational land offers hunters unmatched freedom, control, and long-term value compared to hunting on public land or leasing land. Unlike public land, where overcrowding, unpredictable pressure, and limited management opportunities diminish your hunting experience, private ownership allows hunters to curate habitats, control access, and enjoy year-round recreation with family and friends. Unlike leasing, where investments in food plots or stand prep can be lost if access changes, ownership ensures improvements compound year after year while also building equity in an appreciating asset. Owning your own property can offer a better hunting experience by providing a recreational retreat, a place to make memories and build family traditions, and a lasting investment that pays dividends well beyond hunting season.