Photos by Macy Moore / West Central Tribune Farming brothers James, from left, and RJ Orsten are looking to expand their cattle farming operation through renting land for crops, pasture and haying from surrounding community members.
WANTED: YOUNG FARMERS SEEKING FARMLAND TO RENT By Carolyn Lange | West Central Tribune
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ith farmland locked up tight — and expensive to buy or rent even when land is available — it can be tough for young farmers to get into the business. Securing land can depend on who you know or who you’re related to. Along with having the financial means, convincing a retiring farmer or unrelated landowner to lease property to a young farmer can oftentimes hinge on cultivating a relationship. A landowner wants to be assured that a young farmer just getting their start in the business knows what they’re doing and that they’re a good risk to bet on. RJ and James Orsten, two brothers who raise cattle north of Willmar under the name Cardinal Creek Cattle
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Company, are trying to get the message out that they are looking for land to rent and that they do, indeed, know what they’re doing. RJ, who is 25, and James, who is 21, mailed cards to 75 landowners in northwest Kandiyohi County and northeast Swift County this winter that includes the brothers’ credentials, goals as young farmers and a request to be considered as a future renter. “We’re just trying to get our name out and try and show them we have the experience to run the land ourselves,” said James. The attractive notecards, which features their logo of a cardinal on the front, includes a testimonial to let landowners know who they are and that they have the education and experience behind their dreams.
