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
two men working in aquaculture at a fishery fish farm
Aquaculture
U.S. Catfish Sales Edge Higher Despite Acreage Decline
Slightly higher sales amid shrinking acreage and inventories point to tighter supplies supporting catfish prices.
February 16, 2026 04:00 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
Winter sunrise under a red sky
Markets
Winter Storms Rapidly Drain U.S. Natural Gas Inventories
Cold-driven spikes in gas prices can quickly raise fertilizer and energy costs.
February 16, 2026 01:00 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
Melissa_Eshelman_12_28_19_USA_IA_Eshelman_Farms_049.jpg
Markets
Terrain Projects Large Grain Supplies and Tighter Margins Ahead
Large carry-in stocks across major crops could limit price recovery in 2026/27 unless demand strengthens or weather-related supply reductions occur.
February 16, 2026 12:30 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
small business_farm to table store_dog_Jenni_Harris_10_19_17_USA_GA_White_Oak_Pasture_025.jpg
Rural Money
Small Business Optimism Holds Firm in Rural America
Stable small business confidence supports rural economies, but lingering cost pressures and uncertainty continue to shape farm-country decision-making.
February 16, 2026 12:03 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
cotton bud with the sunset_Photo by Kelli via AdobeStock_386673555.jpg
Markets
National Cotton Council Forecasts Acreage Downshift into 2026
Cotton acres slipping as competing crops gain ground.
February 16, 2026 12:00 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
usda logo.png
USDA
USDA: Final Emergency LRP Payments Issued for 2023 and 2024 Drought, Flood and Wildfire Losses
The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has issued final Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments totaling more than $1.89 billion.
February 16, 2026 10:55 AM
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:

SELECTS_FARMHER_ 19_12_19_USA_ALL_VARIOUS_0342.jpg
Livestock
U.S. Cattle on Feed Dips Again in February as Feedlot Inventories Shrink
Fed cattle numbers are down two percent in February, according to the latest USDA report. Marketings fell 13 percent, signaling continued pressure on beef prices in 2026.
February 20, 2026 03:38 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
9WYZY8YK.jpg
Commodity Classic
Countdown to Commodity Classic: Tidal Grow Agri-Science
Galynn Beer of Tidal Grow Agri-Science joined us to discuss challenges in fertility management, the benefits of Align-N, and what growers can expect at Commodity Classic next week.
February 20, 2026 01:26 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
7RpawrtJ.jpg
Rural Health
Iowa Farmer Shares His Story and the Importance of Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Week
Iowa farmer Derek Hommer joined us to discuss grain bin safety, ongoing prevention efforts, and the importance of community preparedness during Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Week.
February 20, 2026 01:21 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
efpW1AWX.jpg
Champions of Rural America
Champions of Rural America: Rep. Celeste Maloy of Utah
Congresswoman Celeste Maloy of Utah joins Champions of Rural America to discuss her new leadership role in the Western Caucus and her perspective on the Supreme Court’s ruling on President Trump’s tariff policy.
February 20, 2026 12:54 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
ffa logo on blue corduroy background 18845646-g.jpg
National FFA Organization
FFA Members Celebrate Leadership and Learning as National FFA Week Begins
National FFA Secretary Lilly Nyland talks about the significance of National FFA Week, member engagement, and the influence FFA continues to have on students nationwide.
February 20, 2026 12:06 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
CommodityClassic_Hdr_kosssmosss-AdobeStock_309633614_1920x1080.jpg
Commodity Classic
Countdown to Commodity Classic: Maximizing Fertilizer Inputs with Nachurs Alpine Solutions
Tommy Roach with Nachurs Alpine Solutions discuss fertilizer decision-making, plant fertility strategies, and what farmers can learn at Commodity Classic.
February 20, 2026 12:05 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Load More