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
y939pngj.jpg
Stock Shows
Brahmans on the Rio Production Sale Celebrates Success in South Texas
England Cattle Co. in Mercedes, Texas, is coming off a highly successful production sale.
May 26, 2026 08:00 AM
 · 
Frank McCaffrey
farming taxes accounting money_adobe stock.png
Rural Money
Farm Bureau Economist: China Trade Shifts Keep Pressure on U.S. Farmers
China remains critical to U.S. farm exports, but Brazil’s growing market share keeps pressure on U.S. soybean demand.
May 26, 2026 07:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
no-tresspassing sign_adobe stock.png
Firm to Farm
Firm to Farm: Title Fraud Crisis Escalating in Farmland Real Estate
Agricultural property presents unique opportunities for scammers to impersonate landowners and attempt to sell rural property they do not own. And in many cases, they are getting dangerously close to succeeding.
May 25, 2026 07:00 PM
 · 
Roger A. McEowen
A Scottish Highland Cow standing in front of a fall vista in Vermont.
Rural Money
Input Costs Keep Pressure on Northern Farm Finances
Higher input costs and tighter cash flow are keeping pressure on farm income, credit needs, and capital spending.
May 24, 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:

beef cattle.jpg
Livestock
Cattle Market Outlook: Strong Prices Drive Herd Expansion Plans as Financing Shapes Decisions
Charly Cummings with Superior Livestock Auction joined us to discuss today’s cattle offering, market demand, and what producers should watch as they plan upcoming sales.
April 16, 2026 12:20 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
Shelly_Muzzall_01_21_19_USA_WA_Three_Sisters_Farm_006.jpg
Sustainability
USDA Payments Support Cotton, Wool Demand as Lamb Board Launches Sustainability Effort
David Fisher with the American Lamb Board joined us to discuss a new sustainability program designed to boost producer profitability while supporting stewardship practices.
April 16, 2026 11:57 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
yellow-legged-hornet_GA-dept-of-Ag.jpg
Sustainability
Invasive Pests Cost U.S. $40 Billion Annually and Threaten Food Supply
David Gruchot with USDA APHIS joined us to discuss the growing threat of invasive pests and the steps individuals can take to help protect U.S. agriculture.
April 16, 2026 11:32 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
southwest_arizona desert sunset catus_adobe stock.png
Rural Money
ASFMRA Farmland Market Outlook: Water Availability and Climate Pressures Drive Arizona Land Values
ASFMRA’s Shawn Wood joins us to discuss farmland market trends in Arizona and the key factors shaping land values and water-driven decision-making.
April 15, 2026 03:45 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Jenni_Harris_10_19_17_USA_GA_White_Oak_Pasture_012.jpg
Rural Money
Rising Energy Costs Hit Rural America Especially Hard, CoBank Study Finds
CoBank Lead Energy Economist Teri Viswanath discusses their analysis of rising energy costs, rural impacts, and the outlook for fuel prices amid ongoing global uncertainty.
April 15, 2026 03:33 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
SELECTS_FARMHER_ 19_12_19_USA_ALL_VARIOUS_0206.jpg
Rural Money
New Farmers Grow in Number But Face Higher Risk and Land Access Challenges
Risk management and diversification improve survival odds. Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust discusses barriers to farmland access and efforts to connect the next generation of producers with retiring farmers.
April 15, 2026 03:05 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
Load More