Family farmers look afield

Fisher has been aware of programs like Farm On for a decade now. They sprouted up across the Corn Belt in the 1990s to help preserve the nation's tradition of an assortment of small to mid-size crop growers.

In February, Fisher contacted Matthew Siefker through the Internet after Farm On sent applications from 13 would-be farmers.

The two decided Mr. Siefker would come out to Iowa for 60 days to see if their personalities were compatible. Now, four months later, Siefker is still at work and has planted about 75 percent of Fisher's crop.

"Matt was sincere enough to drive 660 miles to visit," says Fisher. "He was the most mature. He seemed to understand my operation."

And yet Fisher is not certain that he ought to have started Siefker down this track. "You can probably tell I'm conflicted about this," says Fisher, his bushy red eyebrows turning upward with doubt.

He says a person cannot farm without being an optimist, but his financial ledger gives him little reason to believe the next generation of farmers will have an easy life. In July, US farmers received $1.88 per bushel of corn - down from a peak of $4.43 in July 1996.

Yet, like most farmers, Siefker sees reasons to keep working.

He believes that the economic skies will brighten if the government can pry open grain markets in China and the European Union. "I've just accepted it will be tough for a while," says Siefker. "I think things will get better if I can hang in there for 10 years."

Siefker is a self-described workaholic who loves to be out in the fields.

His love of planting drew him away from his father's dairy business in Columbus Grove, Ohio. But he doubted whether he'd ever get the chance to work a large grain farm.

Land values have soared in recent years, putting younger farmers increasingly at a disadvantage, says Mike Duffy of the Beginning Farmer Center.

"The system of agriculture that has evolved is extremely capital intensive," says Mr. Duffy. In this case, Farm On's middleman service has been a new foil.

Still, handing over a farm from one operator to the next is a delicate process.

Fisher is almost ready to retire, but he needs to pace the process. Selling all his assets in one year would draw enormous taxes. The first step, as he sees it, starts with renting Siefker land, which will allow him to generate income and buy his own machinery. Once Siefker has assets, he can more easily secure loans from a bank.

But financing is not the young farmer's only concern. He's also in need of a social life. Putting down roots in Thor, Iowa, won't be easy. Siefker now lives on the first floor of a house in Eagle Grove and attends the Grace Evangelical Free Church in town.

Twelve-hour days on remote farmland have crimped his style somewhat. "I'm still single, trying to make friends out here," says Siefker.

Siefker also appreciates the role of a farm in raising a family. "Raising kids on a farm gives them an appreciation for life. It shows them how things work," says Siefker. "Some urban kids don't know where milk comes from."

The new farmer has much to learn. "The hardest part will be watching the markets, learning the business side of things," says Siefker, who adds that he's not a natural with the ledger, but that he's seen too many farmers fail due to poor business sense.

For now, he's focusing on helping the Fishers prepare for the October harvest. Neither side knows if their relationship will continue over the long term. Handing over something as personal as a farm to someone who four months ago was a perfect stranger is an awkward ceremony.

Common interests have strengthened their bond. Each day, Sharon packs lunch for Siefker. They frequently have him over for dinner, do his laundry, and even gave him a birthday present. "It just feels like family," says Sharon.

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