Where Landowners Get Their News

Some U.S. farmers are facing mounting financial pressure from high input costs and tight margins, but broader agriculture remains relatively stable, according to Kansas City Fed economist Nate Kauffman. He discusses how strong farmland values, prior years of solid income, and government support are helping buffer the sector, though corn and soybean producers in the Midwest face heightened risk if challenges persist.

The rapid adoption of GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy is reducing overall food consumption, creating new demand challenges for U.S. potato growers. Jamey Higham, president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission, says the shift could deepen potato oversupply and force growers to better align production and marketing with changing eating habits.

Bill Devens explains how the Global AgInvesting World Summit 2026 in New York City is shifting its focus based on investor feedback and evolving market priorities. The event will expand to three days and adopt a more thematic structure, emphasizing sustainability, natural capital, climate, and broader macroeconomic forces shaping agriculture.Devens notes the conference is also separating agriculture and timber into more distinct tracks after recognizing differences in investor interest. The changes reflect a wider shift toward understanding capital flows, the ag value chain,and the full food system beyond farmland alone.

Brad Zaun, a former Iowa state senator and current regional leader for the Small Business Administration, said the agency is expanding access to capital in rural areas through loan programs with up to 90% guarantees. The efforts focus on agriculture, food systems, and small businesses, including increasing competition in meat processing and coordinating federal and local resources to support rural economic recovery.

Curt Covington of AgAmerica Lending says financial pressure is building across U.S. agriculture, with farmland values in parts of the West already declining 10–20%. He points to cash flow challenges, higher interest rates, and tighter credit as key factors affecting producers, with some farmers running out of liquidity. He discusses how regional differences are significant, with West Coast specialty crops facing ongoing strain while Midwest farmers contend with lower commodity prices. Despite these pressures, some sectors like cattle and high-quality farmland continue to show stronger demand.

Mark Mueller said a recent White House event did not include an announcement on year-round E15, instead focusing on additional farmer aid. In this week’s podcast, Mark and Dave discuss current corn supply levels, including an estimated 2 billion bushel carryout, and the role ethanol policy plays in demand. Mueller noted that E15 is currently allowed through seasonal waivers but not on a permanent, year-round basis. He said expanding E15 availability is one option being discussed to increase domestic corn usage.

Brian Reisinger, author "Land Rich Cash Poor," and Davediscuss how rural economic realities, like high input costs, volatile commodity prices, and rising interest rates, are shaping conversations with farmers ahead of the 2026 midterms. Reisinger says both political parties risk missing rural voters if they fail to focus on these day-to-day financial pressures. He adds that national political messaging often overlooks how policy decisions directly impact local farm economies.

Joshua Manske, a former professional golfer raised on a fifth-generation farm in north central Iowa, has returned to agriculture following the end of his golf career due to injury. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in farming and land stewardship, Manske maintained a connection to agriculture even while competing internationally. Today, he manages a diversified set of roles that include farming, farmland management, farm real estate, and participation in his family’s drainage business. His path reflects both the continuity of generational agriculture and the evolving, multi-faceted nature of modern farm livelihoods.

As renewable energy projects expand across rural America, many landowners are weighing the benefits of wind and solar leases against concerns from neighbors and local officials. Jeff Risley, executive director of Renewable Energy Farmers of America, says the key question for many farmers seeking financial stability in a volatile agricultural economy is how to find reasonable compromises that allow development while addressing community concerns.

Dave and Ethan talk about how a little-known tax strategy called a 721 exchange could help farmland owners exit land ownership without triggering immediate capital gains taxes. Ethan Branscum of Sower Farmland explains how the structure allows landowners to contribute farmland into apartnership in exchange for units in a diversified farmland portfolio. The approach can also make it easier for families to divide ownership among heirs while still generating income from agriculture.

An 86-year-old Pennsylvania farmer turned down a nearly $15 million data center offer for his 261-acre farm, prioritizing preservation over profit. With guidance from Jeff Swinehart of Lancaster Farmland Trust, who has spent decades helping landowners protect farmland through conservation easements and partnerships with local townships, the farmer was able to sell his development rights for about $2 million. Swinehart’s work ensures that farms like this remain in agriculture for future generations, highlighting the impact of stewardship and a strong land ethic in rural Pennsylvania.

Longtime Midwest land broker Dennis Reyman of Stalcup Agricultural Services, examines who is really buying farmland in 2026 and why 70 to 80 percent of purchases still come from farmers within a 6 to 10 mile radius. Reyman also breaks down why livestock-intensive areas are driving $20,000-plus per acre sales, how quality differences are widening price gaps, and what renewable diesel, E15, and South American crop competition could mean for land values going forward.

Waylon Brown, Regional Policy Manager for Clean Grid Alliance, outlines both the economic opportunities and political tensions surrounding wind, solar, and battery storage development in rural America. As electricity demand accelerates and states like Iowa produce more energy than they consume, Brown argues that permitting reform, grid upgrades, and local decision-making will determine whether rural communities capture long-term economic benefits.

Wyoming State Rep. Jacob Wasserburger is proposing a modern Homestead Act that would allow Wyoming residents to buy 10-acre parcels of state land for just $1 per acre if they build a home. The plan could open up as much as 16,000 acres for rural housing, aiming to expand supply without fueling boom-and-bust growth or private equity ownership.

UK farmland adviser Ed Blundy discusses how emerging technologies from artificial intelligence to advanced energy systems could reshape where and how food is grown by easing constraints around power and water. He also emphasizes that despite rapid innovation, long term farming success still depends on land stewardship, policy, and sound farm economics.

Charles Whitaker, a founding equity partner at UK-based Brown&Co, says institutional investors have historically helped stabilize agriculture during periods of financial stress by providing long-term capital while keeping farmers on the land. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience, Whitaker says rising operating costs, consolidation, and succession challenges are again increasing the need for “patient capital” to support farmers without forcing displacement.

Farm entrepreneur Sharon Krause is reshaping local agriculture through In Harmony Farm, her 223-acre agricultural farm and training ground near Earlham, Iowa. She donated 70 acres of her own land to support beginning farmers and convened roughly 60 stakeholders across central Iowa to identify gaps between agriculture, healthy eating, and opportunities for underserved communities. Her work highlights a model of farming focused less on scale and more on intention, stewardship, and community impact.

Virginia farmer and author Joel Salatin brings a nontraditional lens to farm growth, resilience, and transition, shaped by his work at the 550-acre Polyface Farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. A self-described “Christian libertarian environmentalist capitalist lunatic farmer,” Salatin argues that resilience comes from creativity and duplication rather than consolidation, using incremental change, diversified enterprises, and reimagined infrastructure to adapt to volatile markets andrising costs.

Veteran economist Ed Yardeni says one of the most overlooked forces shaping today’s economy is America’s aging population. While inflation and interest rates dominate headlines, Yardeni argues demographics are quietly influencing labor markets, wealth, and long-term growth. He also pushed back on pessimism, noting strong GDP and stock market performance that support his view of a resilient economy. The aging trend, he says, will carry lasting implications for land ownership and rural America.

The largest wealth transfer in history is underway, and its impact on agriculture may be just beginning. Ron Diamond, Founder and Chairman of Diamond Wealth, explains how family offices are navigating markets, interest rates, and long term opportunity across rural America.

In this week’s podcast, we sit down with USDA Deputy Secretary Judge Stephen Vaden to discuss a major reorganization bringing USDA closer to rural America through five regional hubs. The plan shrinks Washington, D.C.’s footprint while aiming to improve efficiency, cutting costs, and strengthening the workforce. Vaden stresses that county offices and farmer-facing services will remain unchanged, with regional hubs designed to speed decisions and better align expertise with geography.

Geopolitical strategist Marko Papic joins the podcast to explain why current U.S. immigration enforcement lacks a long term vision and falls short of economic needs. Drawing on his background and global experience, he outlines how labor shortages, especially in agriculture, are being worsened by an enforcement only approach. Papic discusses why meaningful reform requires bipartisan legislation and clear legal pathways for workers. He also argues that Midwest farm states may be the ones to push Congress toward a practical and sustainable solution.

Farm bankruptcy attorney Joe Peiffer reports an unusually early surge of farmers seeking financial help in late summer, signaling deeper strain ahead of the post-harvest season. His northeast Iowa firm saw several new cases in August and September, many involving severe debt-to-asset imbalances. Peiffer, who has advised farm families for more than four decades, said the timing and severity of these cases reflect worsening financial pressures across the sector.

The UK farmland market is being reshaped by shifting tax policy,economic uncertainty, and evolving buyer motivations. According to Ed Blundy of Brown & Co., tax-driven purchasers continue to dominate, with rollover relief remaining a major force behind land reinvestment.

Geopolitical strategist and bestselling author Peter Zeihan warns that declining immigration could have significant consequences for U.S. agriculture and the broader economy. Known for his work on global demographics, energy, and security—and followed widely through his books, newsletter, and YouTube channel—Zeihan argues that America’s historic strength has come from welcoming newcomers. With the U.S. population now slipping, he says agriculture-dependent regions may feel the impact first as labor shortages deepen. Zeihan will expand on these trends as a keynote speaker at the 2026 Land Investment Expo.

R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard is calling for Congress to reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) for beef, arguing it would provide consumers with clearer information and help U.S. cattle producers compete. Bullard says growing beef imports, especially from Argentina, highlight the need for labeling reforms and tariff tools to protect domestic ranchers. He contends that the 2015 repeal of COOL misleads consumers and weakens both market transparency and national food security.

When Nebraska farmland owner and lifelong dairy enthusiast Brian Burgett began researching milk digestion, it was to help his daughter manage dairy sensitivities—not to launch a new venture. His research led to the creation of a proposed “NonBCM Certified” seal, aimed at identifying dairy products free from the peptide BCM-7, a byproduct of A1 milk digestion linked to discomfort in some consumers. Drawing on his background in animal science, Burgett hopes the certification will promote greater understanding of milk types and restore confidence in traditional dairy.

Illinois land broker and farm manager Liz Strom says farmland values have leveled off after several years of record highs. From 2021 to 2023, A-quality farms in central Illinois regularly sold for over $20,000 per acre, driven by strong commodity prices and investor demand. Prices have since eased to around $15,000–$17,000 per acre, but Strom notes the market remains steady and competitive. Demand for top-tier farmland continues across the Midwest, especially among farmers and long-term investors.

In an era when farmland values often make headlines for their soaring price per acre, Indiana broker and farmer Johnny Klemme reminds us that land’s worth runs deeper than numbers. As co-owner of Geswein Farm & Land Realty and author of American Family Farmland: A Landowner’s Guide to Inheriting the Farm, Klemme explores the emotional, generational, and financial dimensions that define what “value” truly means. Through his work with farm families, he emphasizes that understanding these perspectives—whether rooted in duty, legacy, or stewardship—can turn conflict into connection. For Klemme, land isn’t just an asset; it’s a living inheritance that binds people, soil, and story across generations.

Mallory DeVries built a thriving specialty mushroom business in northeast Iowa, selling more than 2,000 pounds annually. Despite her success, she decided to stop farming after realizing the operation’s heavy reliance on plastic waste, imported materials, and chemical use conflicted with her values of sustainability. Now, DeVries works to help other farmers develop more sustainable systems and localize agricultural infrastructure. Her experience, she says, taught her that real success in farming means staying aligned with one’s purpose.

Shrimp may not be what you expect to find on a farm in rural Indiana, but Karlanea Brown has turned it into a thriving business. As co-owner of RDM Aquaculture, she raises shrimp indoors without pumps, filters, or antibiotics—selling directly to customers and hosting tours. Rising tariffs on imported shrimp have made her locally raised product more competitive, opening doors for U.S. aquaculture. Brown hopes more farmers will see the opportunity, but reminds them: shrimp farming takes skill, patience, and daily work.

Wind turbines can bring significant financial opportunity to farmland, with Dr. Dave Muth noting land value premiums of 3–16% and lease revenues now exceeding $20,000 per turbine each year. While investors often value the cash flow more than traditional farmers, Muth emphasizes that contracts, easements, and decommissioning responsibilities must be carefully considered to protect landowners in the long term.

Washington fruit grower and social media personality Kait Thornton, known online as “Applegirlkait,” is using her platform to highlight both the challenges and opportunities in apple and pear farming. A fourth-generation farmer from Tonasket, Thornton manages orchards that grow apples, pears, and apricots while navigating shifting consumer demand, labor shortages, and volatile markets. Despite these challenges, she continues to invest heavily in crops and shares the realities of farming online. With over half a million followers across TikTok and Instagram, she hopes to bridge the gap between agriculture and consumers.

Northwest cherry growers are shifting strategy as tariffs have pushed exports to China down by more than a third. With costs too high for Chinese consumers, producers are pivoting toward new markets like Vietnam, Thailand, and India. Southeast Asia has shown strong demand, while India—with its growing middle class—could become a major export destination despite logistical hurdles. Industry leaders say diversification isn’t just a strategy anymore—it’s survival.

Arkansas farmer Adam Chappell is sounding the alarm about the financial challenges facing producers across the state. Once farming 8,000 acres with his brother, Chappell now manages about a third of that land as neighbors leave agriculture behind. He says high input costs, low prices, and market consolidation are pushing 30 to 40 percent of farmers toward bankruptcy. Chappell worries the decades-long decline of family farms is accelerating and wonders if he will be next.

Hansen’s Dairy, a seventh-generation Iowa Dairy Farm, operates a creamery that produces butter, cheese curds, and ice cream, along with offering farm tours that include cows and kangaroos. While the farm faces challenges with oversupply of milk, the Hansens are looking at new opportunities. They believe A2A2 milk, which may be easier for some consumers to digest, could help bring in new customers and reduce waste.

Washington rancher and legislator Tom Dent says supporting small farmers requires reducing regulatory burdens while recognizing their role as environmental stewards. He points to rising costs, heavy state-level rules, and the realities of family farms working long hours just to stay afloat. Dent argues that while federal farm programs remain important, they are not enough on their own. A more balanced approach, he says, begins with listening to farmers themselves.

Corn is growing in places it never used to, while Florida citrus has dropped 90% in two decades. Across the country, farmers are experiencing drought, flooding, and billion-dollar weather disasters. Climate Land Leaders, led by Teresa Opheim, brings farmland owners together to focus on soil health, water quality, and land legacy planning—without getting stuck in political debates. Their approach: unitearound conservation so the land can thrive for generations to come.

Farmland analyst Randy Dickhut sees continued strong interest in farmland through late 2025, but expects a modest rise in land available for sale. Financial pressures on some producers and missed earlier market highs could bring more parcels to market. Livestock profits are supporting pastureland values, while crop prices remain under pressure. Buyers may range from neighboring farmers to outside investors, with no large-scale selloff expected.

Farmers in Arkansas are sounding the alarm—and for good reason. While financial stress is widespread across U.S. agriculture, Arkansas is experiencing Chapter 12 bankruptcies at a pace faster than almost any other state.Dr. Ryan Loy, an agricultural economist at the University of Arkansas, has been tracking the numbers closely. He warns the data likely understates the real picture. “Some farmers aren’t yet reflected in the latest filings,” he told American Farmland Owner. “The stress is worse than what we’re seeing on paper.”

Farmland values across eight Midwest states rose 1.1% in early 2025, according to Farm Credit Services of America’s latest report. But Executive VP Tim Koch says market headwinds—like softer commodity prices and uncertain interest rates—could push values down in the coming months. “It’s a very local market,” he notes, driven by nearby buyers and cautious producer sentiment.

After two decades of fighting for immigration reform, Idaho Dairymen’s Association CEO Rick Naerebout believes change may finally be within reach. Amid chaos and uncertainty for farm employers and their workforce, Naerebout remains focused on creating legal pathways for essential dairy workers. He discusses the unique labor demands of dairy operations and how recent policies from the White House may affect that.

Mike and Cathy Pullins didn’t plan to become Ohio’s berryambassadors, but customers, and life, had other ideas. From double lung transplants to black raspberries and family succession, the couple behind Champaign Berry Farm opens up about why more farmers should consider growing berries and how it might just be the perfect second career. In our interview they discuss: • Berry crops as a high-value, small-acreage specialty suitable for diversified farms • Labor seasonality and integrated weed management for perennial fruit systems • Physiological resilience, aging farmers, and sustainable farm succession models • Real-world examples of role delineation and adaptive management in family-run horticultural operations

Mary Swander is taking Map of My Kingdom back on the road, using storytelling and theater to crack open one of rural America’s toughest conversations: farm succession. With wit, warmth, and a bit of role-play, her one-woman show invites families to finally talk about what comes next for their land. After each performance, audiences engage in candid community discussions—often emotional, sometimes life-changing. With only 56% of U.S. farms having a plan in place, Swander’s work is as urgent as it is creative.

While debates swirl in Washington over clean energy tax credits, farmer and entrepreneur Mitchell Hora is optimistic. As CEO of Continuum Ag, Hora is already helping farmers benefit from the extended Section 45Z credits in the Inflation Reduction Act, which reward low-carbon farming practices. Hora believes this legislation could be a multi-billion-dollar opportunity that revitalizes rural America and reshapes global agriculture.

Jackson and Amanda Drost are raising crops, cattle, and kids—while working off-farm and keeping their marriage strong. From late-night shop talks to T-ball games and cover crops, the Drosts show how modern farm families find balance in the chaos.

Montana solar entrepreneur Ralph Walters flew to Washington, D.C. to defend the tax credits that fueled his family‑run company’s explosive growth. As he met with lawmakers, he argued that a sudden rollback of the Inflation Reduction Act incentives would crush small installers and stall America’s push for energy independence.

Rob Taylor, co-owner of Revelton Distillery in Osceola, Iowa, blends a deep love for his community with a commitment to sourcing local. From partnering with nearby farmers for corn and rye to helping out with harvest, Taylor keeps his roots close. His “tree ring” sourcing philosophy starts in Osceola and expands outward only when necessary. It’s all about building relationships, boosting rural economies, and crafting whiskey with purpose.

After losing her husband to cancer, Iowa farmer Jolene Riessen has faced the hard questions about pesticide use head-on. With firsthand experience, a scientific family background, and deep care for her community, she challenges the oversimplified blame placed on agriculture. In her words: “Farmers don’t want to harm anyone—we grow safe, nutritious food.”

Connor McMahon of Full Draw Vineyard is on a mission to connect with a new generation of wine drinkers. With wine sales dropping 6% in 2024 compared to 2023, this Iowa native turned California vintner is challenging traditional perceptions of wine by making it more approachable, less intimidating, and ultimately more enjoyable for younger consumers. Through travel, conversation, and a laid-back philosophy, he is redefining how millennials and Gen Z engage with wine, one sip and one story at a time.