Developers have a short time frame. So with developers you can go in, make a strong case, and hope to come out with an easement. But you can't expect long-term farmers to make snap decisions about their land. Farmers have a connection with land that can stretch back several generations and many intend to pass that land on to heirs. Not only are they tied to the particular piece of land they farm, they also tend to have strong bonds to a close-knit farming community.
Word of mouth travels fast, reputations are important, rumors abound.
When you introduce a new land use, like a riding or biking trail, into an agricultural area, you must also think about establishing a long-term relation ship with that rural community. And when such a relationship like a marriage goes sour, everyone knows. It helps immensely to have one responsible person in the farming community represent trail users' interests. A faceless bureaucracy is not what you need. Three examples will illustrate the benefits of a long-term presence.