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
usda logo.png
USDA
USDA: Ag Producers, Residents in Eastern U.S. Encouraged to Prepare for Weekend Bomb Cyclone Winter Storm
A rapidly intensifying winter storm is expected to develop into a bomb cyclone this weekend, affecting the Southeast, southern Virginia, and potentially parts of the mid‑Atlantic and New England.
January 30, 2026 10:52 AM
cotton bud with the sunset_Photo by Kelli via AdobeStock_386673555.jpg
Business
RFD NEWS Special Report: Why Cotton Wholesalers Matter More When Markets Turn Volatile
Often overlooked, cotton wholesalers act as stabilizers during market stress, translating fragmented retail demand into workable production programs for mills and manufacturers.
January 30, 2026 08:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
The Supreme Court of the United States looms above a river winding through grasslands.
Firm to Farm
Firm to Farm: A New Era of WOTUS — The “Top 10" Ag Law and Tax Developments of 2025
January 30, 2026 06:00 AM
 · 
Roger A. McEowen
m7oxZM5x.jpg
Livestock
AFBF Economist Outlines Dairy Herd Management Trends
AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares a closer look at the dairy market and the forces impacting producers today.
January 29, 2026 02:52 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
6rKK2xZ0.jpg
Market Day Music
Seven-time Grammy nominee Jeffrey Steele is advocating for speaking the truth with his new song “A Voice”
January 29, 2026 01:39 PM
 · 
Currey McCullough
Eliza_MDR Desk_1-Shot (B)_1920x1080.jpg
Market Day Report
Meet Eliza Petry — The Newest Member of the RFD News Team!
Eliza Petry joins the RFD News team with a strong connection to agriculture and a commitment to covering the people and issues that matter most to rural America.
January 29, 2026 01:31 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
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:

corn grain silo stock photo_input costs and producer inflation_adobe stock.png
Rural Health
Specialty Risk Insurance and Nationwide Join Forces to Champion Grain Bin Safety at CattleCon 2026
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
February 10, 2026 03:57 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Aerial of cargo ship carrying container for export cargo from cargo yard port to other ocean concept smart freight shipping ship front view_Photo by Yellow Boat via AdobeStock_1601867486.jpg
Trade
U.S. Grain Shipments Steady Despite Trade and Freight Uncertainty
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney outlines the Trump Administration’s current trade priorities and what meaningful market expansion looks like for farmers.
February 10, 2026 03:08 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
QlUvhZGs.jpg
Agriculture
Building the Ag Workforce: Inside Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture’s Veterinary Technology Program
Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
February 10, 2026 02:27 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Abandoned Midwest Barn. Weathered and worn red barn on an abandoned farm in the American Midwest.
Business
Larger Loans, Rising Bankruptcy: USDA Aid Coming, but Losses Continue to Outpace Relief
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
February 10, 2026 01:35 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
WASDE REPORT GRAPHIC
Trade
WASDE Preview: Limited Price Fireworks in February, But Big Questions for 2026 Acres
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.
February 10, 2026 01:11 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
texas farming stock photo_adobe stock.png
Livestock
Texas to Receive Much-Needed Water Payments from Mexico as Screwworm Threat Looms Over Herd Rebuild
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey was in Mission, Texas, where state and federal officials addressed growers and producers at a round table event hosted at a citrus grower’s facility. He shows us how welcome news was all around.
February 10, 2026 12:05 PM
 · 
Frank McCaffrey
Load More