Agriculture Blogs

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.

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.

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.

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®).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.