The Journey of Agricultural Real Estate in Eastern Pennsylvania

My Roots in Farming and Land Development

Growing up, my parents were homesteaders. As part of the 1970s back-to-the-land movement, they bought rural land and built a home. I spent my childhood outdoors, surrounded by sheep, chickens, and haymaking, always with a big garden nearby. My upbringing was steeped in the context of rural land investment and development. My extended family consisted of carpenters, builders, and investors in rural land. Together, they would buy rural properties, subdivide them, and build custom homes. A few years later, they would sell those homesteads for a profit, allowing them to build new homes. This cycle continued, and while it was a lot of work on top of raising a family and holding full-time jobs, they enjoyed it. The Pennsylvania Dutch in them couldn't help but work hard.

The genius of this approach was that they paid down their debt twice as fast while upgrading their homes each time. It's no wonder I developed a fascination with land management, development, and agriculture early on. I didn’t imagine then that these ideas would shape not only my future family’s livelihood but also my work in real estate.

My Farming Journey

Fast forward a few short years. After graduating college, my wife and I tilled up my parents’ front yard to plant our first crops. That small beginning grew into over fifteen years of full-time farming. We ran a CSA, sold at farmers markets, raised livestock, and grew vegetables from A to Z. Through our farm, Wild Fox Farm, and later our PA-grown hemp brand, Wild Fox Provisions, we learned firsthand what it takes to run a small business and make agricultural land productive and profitable.

Investing in Agricultural Land

But alongside farming, we were also investing. After buying our first property in 2012, we began to apply ourselves to land management and investing. Through our real estate investment company, Every Age, we have bought and sold multiple agricultural properties over the past decade. We’ve subdivided lots, renovated homes for resale and rental, and exercised creative techniques to monetize farm infrastructure. We've navigated farmland preservation programs, secured infrastructure grants, leased acreage to organic producers, and grown our own crops on investment properties.

We’ve learned how to monetize agricultural land creatively while still stewarding it responsibly and building equity. This combination of being a farmer and an investor is something I have greatly enjoyed. It uniquely equips me to serve clients who are buying and selling farmland today.

Understanding Agricultural Real Estate

When you walk a property with me, I’m not just looking at comparables. I’m assessing soil types, water access, fencing, infrastructure, zoning flexibility, and income potential. I understand what it feels like to sign a mortgage on raw land and then figure out how to make it pay. I know the risks, the timelines, the grant programs, and the hidden costs because I’ve lived them.

Agricultural real estate isn’t just about acreage; it’s about opportunity. Whether you’re:

• Buying your first farm

• Investing in agricultural land

• Selling a legacy property

• Exploring subdivision or preservation

• Looking to generate income from underutilized acreage

  
  

I bring practical experience, long-term vision, and genuine passion to the table. Farming has shaped how I see the world. Real estate is how I help others step into their own version of that dream—whether that means building a homestead, launching an agricultural enterprise, or making a strategic land investment.

The Future of Farmland in Eastern Pennsylvania

Eastern Pennsylvania is rich in agricultural potential. The rolling hills, fertile soil, and supportive community create an ideal environment for farming and land investment. As I look to the future, I see numerous opportunities for growth and development in this region.

Embracing Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in agriculture. Many buyers and investors are looking for properties that not only provide economic returns but also promote environmental stewardship. This shift is encouraging innovative farming practices and land management strategies that benefit both the land and the community.

The Role of Technology in Agriculture

Technology is revolutionizing agriculture. From precision farming to advanced irrigation systems, technology enhances productivity and efficiency. As an investor, I keep an eye on these trends, ensuring that the properties I work with are equipped to meet the demands of modern agriculture.

Building Community Connections

Community is at the heart of successful farming. Building relationships with local farmers, markets, and consumers creates a supportive network that fosters growth. I believe in the power of collaboration and actively seek to connect my clients with resources and opportunities in the community.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing in farmland, I’d love to walk the ground with you. Together, we can explore the possibilities that agricultural real estate offers in Eastern Pennsylvania. Let’s turn your dreams into reality.

— Ben Davies