ASFMRA Early Spring Farmland Market Update and Growing Season Outlook

Justin Wheeler with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined us with insight into current farmland values and what to watch in the year ahead.

DECATUR, ILL. (RFD NEWS) — The farmland market is beginning to show signs of stabilization after several years of steady growth. While land values remain historically high, several factors are expected to influence the market outlook as the industry looks ahead to 2026.

Justin Wheeler with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on current land values and sales activity.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Wheeler discussed where the market stands today and how recent trends are shaping buyer and seller behavior across farm country. Looking ahead, he shared his outlook on farmland values and outlined additional factors that could affect the market in 2026, along with his perspective for landowners, buyers, and operators navigating decisions in a changing farmland environment.

Related Stories
RFD-TV Agricultural Law & Taxation expert Roger McEowen discusses the Supreme Court’s recent repeal of the Chevron agreement and other current topics in ag law.
With today’s post, RFD-TV Ag Legal & Tax Expert Roger McEowen focuses on some more common issues farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners frequently face.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Just how much are probate fees? How are they determined? That is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV’s Agri-Legal Expert Roger A. McEowen.
The distinction between co-tenancy and joint tenancy and why it matters — is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV Agri-Legal Expert Roger McEowen.
In this behind-the-scenes look at the newest episode of Where the Food Comes From, “A Day Without Sunshine” written by show producer and script supervisor Donna Sanders — find out what Florida citrus growers Dundee Citrus did when life handed them some lemons.
As the USDA tracks how Plant Hardiness Zones are slowly shifting across the country, they are also adjusting their recommendations for gardeners when it comes to perennial plants. The data is also used the by Risk Management Agency to determine crop insurance rates.
If you’re a fan of RFD-TV’s Where the Food Comes From, you might recall visiting Larry Smith’s idyllic Christmas Tree farm in rural North Carolina. This year, ahead of the holidays, we are taking a look back at the classic episode from Season 2 with a host of new, behind-the-scenes and bonus content to enjoy!
This Gingery Chicken and Mushroom Soup is a comforting and nourishing option for cold weather, utilizing a medley of fresh, seasonal ingredients readily available in the winter.