Agriculture Blogs
February 26, 2026
Transitional Farmland: Investing in Land in the Path of Growth
Learn what transitional farmland is and why land near expanding cities can command premium value. Explore how growth trends, infrastructure, and development potential influence pricing beyond traditional agricultural factors.
February 18, 2026
Appraising Agricultural Land in Transitional Markets
Learn how agricultural land is appraised during transitional markets. See how appraisers interpret shifting sales data, income expectations, and investor behavior when pricing signals are less uniform.
October 13, 2025
From Data to Decisions: Planning the 2026 Crop Season Starts Now
See how farm managers use data, technology, and collaboration to plan the 2026 crop season months in advance, turning today’s insights into tomorrow’s success.
September 3, 2025
Farmland Value: How to Know What Your Land is Worth
Discover what drives farmland value — location, soils, improvements, and market trends. Learn how to assess what your land is really worth.
July 29, 2025
Introduction to Soil Productivity Indexes
Soil productivity indexes are among the most valuable tools for classifying farmland. These indexes offer a consistent way to measure agricultural land. Soil types and characteristics can vary significantly not just from one region to another, but between neighboring properties.
July 10, 2025
From Cornfields to Coastlines: Exploring California & PNW Agriculture
I was raised outside Boulder, Colorado, near the mountains but far removed from large-scale production agriculture. Still, I developed a passion for the agricultural industry early on—riding horses and raising livestock on my family’s small acreage.
May 9, 2025
2025 Delta Agricultural Outlook: Insights for Landowners
The 2025 farming season in the Delta region is proving to be one of the most difficult in recent years - and that is saying something. Landowners across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas are watching their tenants shift crop strategies, struggle with flood damage, and continue to tighten their belts as economic conditions remain strained.
April 24, 2025
Michigan’s Agricultural Diversity
Michigan stands as one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the U.S., producing over 300 different commodities. This diversity is second only to California, thanks to Michigan’s unique combination of fertile soil, ample rainfall, and varied microclimates.
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March 12, 2025
Factors That Affect the Value of Agricultural Land: A Complete Guide for Buyers and Sellers
The value of agricultural land is influenced by several factors, from soil quality to market demand. Whether you’re buying, selling, or appraising farmland, understanding these elements can help you make informed decisions. In this blog, we’ll explore the most critical factors affecting farmland prices and how they impact land valuation.
February 24, 2025
The Role of Agricultural Appraisers in Land Transactions
When it comes to buying, selling, or managing agricultural land, accurate valuation is essential. Agricultural appraisers play a crucial role in ensuring that farmland transactions are conducted fairly and transparently. Their expertise helps buyers, sellers, financial institutions, and investors make informed decisions. This article explores the role of agricultural appraisers, their methods of valuation, and why their work is critical in land transactions.
January 30, 2025
Integrating AI Technologies into the Appraisal Process at Peoples Company
Peoples Company continues to lead the way in innovation within the agricultural real estate industry by exploring advanced technologies that enhance efficiency while maintaining the professionalism expected in our appraisal services. As part of this ongoing effort, we are in the testing phase of integrating AI technologies into our workflow. These tools have shown potential to streamline repetitive tasks, improve organization, and ensure precision in reporting. While AI plays a supportive role, the expertise and responsibility of certified appraisers remain central to every valuation.
January 9, 2025
National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries Farmland Returns: 30+ Years of Evidence about Farmland as an Investment Class
Interest in real estate and other alternative or Alt-investments has increased substantially in the past couple of years. Forbes magazine, for example, reported that the share of financial advisors recommending Alts to their clients increased from 25% in 2020 to 55% in 2024 (Fred Hubler, 9/10/2024). Among these, agricultural real estate has stood out because of the understood positive correlation with inflation, low correlation with equity returns, and low risk of capital loss with relatively consistent income.
November 25, 2024
Rooted in an ARA Designation
Growing up on my family’s dairy farm in the picturesque hills of Northeast Iowa, I always felt a deep sense of peace walking along the pastures and field driveways. Even though I didn’t know where those walks might lead, there was something grounding about them. Today, I find that same sense of stability when I talk with landowners about their family farms or recent land investments. After 12 years in the appraisal field, I’m honored to hold the ARA designation, which has been both humbling and grounding in my career.
November 21, 2024
Rural Appraiser Earns Highest Professional Status
Emily Oberbroeckling, ARA, Peoples Company, has been awarded the Accredited Rural Appraiser (ARA) designation from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers® (ASFMRA®).
October 25, 2024
Farmland Affordability: The Correlation Between Size and Value
Anyone in the farmland sector has heard the adage that as the size of a farm increases the price per acre typically decreases. Whether you’re an appraiser or other real estate professional, this message seems to be heard throughout the business. While this can be true in many cases, I’ve run across some instances where the theory could be questioned.
September 26, 2024
Alligator Hunting in Louisiana
Alligator hunting in Louisiana is deeply rooted in the culture, history, and ecology of the state. Louisiana’s winding bayous/rivers, sprawling marshlands, and expansive timber tracts offer the largest selection of hunting experiences in the United States, drawing hunters from around the world who seek the adventure of hunting numerous different animals and species. Alligator hunting is probably the most unique and thrilling hunting experience offered in the boot state.
September 25, 2024
The Power of Networking
Go, Dog. Go! This classic children’s book written by P.D. Eastman was my daughter’s favorite book. She loved the pictures of colorful dogs franticly racing from one place to another, seemingly without any purpose. Some days a career in rural appraisal can feel very similar. Running from property inspections, market research, meetings, classes, verifying sales, and writing appraisal reports, can make it feel like we are running in circles.
August 23, 2024
Exploring Hidden Opportunities in Farmland Investments
When we think of investment vehicles, our minds often drift to stocks, bonds, or commercial and residential real estate. But there’s an investment class that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves: farmland. Beyond its basic value as a commodity, farmland offers a range of unique benefits and hidden opportunities that set it apart from more traditional investments. Here’s why farmland is worthy of consideration for your diversified portfolio.
July 29, 2024
Understanding Agricultural Appraisal in Lending: Ensuring Sustainable Financing for Farmers
In the realm of agricultural lending, the process of appraisal holds significant weight. It's not just about assessing the monetary value of land and assets; it's about understanding the intricacies of farming practices, environmental impacts, and the overall sustainability of agricultural operations. Agricultural appraisal ensures that lenders can make informed decisions while offering financial support to farmers, fostering growth in rural economies, and ensuring food security.
June 20, 2024
Nourishing the Future: Sustainable Farming in the Face of Population Growth
As the global population is projected to reach nearly 9.8 billion by 2050, the demand for agricultural products will surge, challenging current farming practices to be more sustainable and less environmentally damaging. This blog explores the crucial role of fertilizers, their impacts, and how regenerative agricultural practices offer a sustainable path forward.
