Business  Markets

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.

January 28, 2026 02:42 PM • 
Marion Kirkpatrick

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
Screenshot 2026-06-03 103735.png
Rural Lifestyle
ACE Summit Highlights Women’s Role in Agriculture
Women from across the farm sector gathered in Washington to discuss leadership, advocacy and industry opportunities
June 03, 2026 02:42 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
zYEkCTQy.jpg
Machinery
New Tariff Relief Could Lower Farm Equipment Costs, AEM Says
AEM’s Kip Eideberg joins us to discuss tariff policy changes, their potential impact on agricultural equipment costs, and the outlook for the farm machinery sector.
June 03, 2026 02:17 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
JeqibTUx.jpg
Livestock
Lamb Production Declines as Prices Move Higher
Texas A&M economist David Anderson says sharp declines in lamb and mutton production are helping support higher prices.
June 03, 2026 01:50 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
crimson clover cover crops willamette valley oregon_Photo by hktelleria via AdobeStock_158950951.jpeg.png
Sustainability
Texas Leads in Cover Crop Acres Growing Across the Nation
Cover crops may improve soil and reduce input needs over time, but producers should budget carefully before expanding acreage.
June 03, 2026 12:00 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
Load More

Farmland Real Estate Business Planning Land & Water Management
Marion Kirkpatrick
Marion Kirkpatrick
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:

Close-up businessman hand electronic Signature on Tablet by Stylus. Write business agreement of contract. Man signing contract on tablet. Business and technology concept.
FarmTech
Cyber Threats Grow in Agriculture as Ransomware Targets Supply Chain
Jonathan Braley joins us to discuss rising cybersecurity threats in agriculture, the risks of ransomware attacks, and how Food and Ag-ISAC’s new guide can help businesses better protect themselves.
May 06, 2026 05:11 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
costner 1.jpg
Rural Money
Western Land Values Shift As Outside Forces Reshape the Market
ASFMRA’s Skye Root joins us to discuss shifts in Western farmland markets, financial pressures facing producers, and the outside forces influencing land values and decision-making.
May 06, 2026 05:00 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
1nSrbgTN.jpg
Rural Health Matters
Rural Health Matters: Early Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis
Dr. Jeffrey Gold joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss the early warning signs of arthritis, the challenges facing rural populations, and steps individuals can take to manage joint health.
May 06, 2026 04:30 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Cristen Clark_FarmHER S1_Ep 11
Rural Money
Farmer Sentiment Slips As Input Cost Worries Grow
CME Group’s Fred Seamon joins us to break down the drop in farmer sentiment, discuss the role of input costs and global factors, and share his outlook for the ag economy ahead.
May 06, 2026 02:42 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
VeE1UNez.jpg
Washington Policy
‘One Headline, One Tweet Away': Energy Volatility Keeps Ag Markets on Edge
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney and other experts break down ongoing energy market volatility, its impact on producer decision-making, and key indicators farmers should monitor moving forward.
May 06, 2026 12:35 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
beOb5OH1.jpg
Livestock
Texas Lawmaker Urges Caution After First Screwworm Case Detected in Coahuila
The New World Screwworm case was detected roughly 119 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border — at nearly the same latitude as Zapata, Texas.
May 06, 2026 11:00 AM
 · 
Frank McCaffrey
Load More