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
Stark cloudy weather over empty exterior view of the US Capitol Building in Washington DC, USA_Photo by lazyllama via Adobe Stock.jpg
Washington Policy
Senate Passes Funding Deal, Puts Shutdown End Near
If the House concurs and the President signs, USDA services and farm-bill programs resume at full speed with authorities extended for another year.
November 11, 2025 10:46 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
jkv5we0r.jpg
On The Record
On the Record | The musical “Oklahoma” was the inspiration behind Kaitlin Butts’ album Roadrunner!
November 11, 2025 10:46 AM
 · 
Currey McCullough
aerial view of rapeseed fields rural property farmland real estate zoning business planning_Photo by chngking via AdobeStock_198728135.jpg
Firm to Farm
Firm to Farm: Acreage Anxiety—How Zoning Issues Can Limit Your Rural Property Dreams
The allure of rural property — with its promise of space, freedom, and self-sufficiency — is undeniable, but local zoning regulations govern the reality.
November 10, 2025 01:55 PM
 · 
Roger A. McEowen
dead corn crop insurance_adobe stock.png
Business
Safety Net Programs Work Together Through Market Cycles
ARC/PLC, marketing loans, and crop insurance each matter at different points in the price cycle — and the new Farm Bill strengthens the balance among them.
November 10, 2025 01:38 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
kaitlin 1280.jpg
On The Record
On the Record | Kaitlin Butts discusses the back story of her viral hit, “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me)”
November 10, 2025 01:30 PM
 · 
Currey McCullough
UmycJ78T.jpg
FFA Today
FFA Today: Environmental CDE Students Put Their Skills to the Test
Kate Walker has the story, highlighting how students are learning to protect and preserve natural resources while gaining valuable technical and teamwork skills.
November 10, 2025 12:40 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
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:

YEHO1Efz.jpg
Weather News
La Niña is Here: Farmers Urged to Prepare Propane Supplies Ahead of Winter
Mike Newland with the Propane Education & Research Council shares how producers can prepare for winter weather and the benefits of propane.
November 07, 2025 12:03 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
O8s9Vmwg.jpg
Crops
Interior Department Adds 10 Critical Minerals, Including Potash and Phosphate
Recognizing phosphorus and potash as critical minerals underscores their importance in crop production and food security, providing producers with an added layer of risk protection.
November 06, 2025 03:40 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
26laCvkj.jpg
FarmHER + RanchHER
Dirt Diaries: Mother-Daughter Duo Behind TrailblazHER Co. Reflect on Their Success Spotlighting Rural Women
Jan and Erin Johnson also join FarmHER + RanchHER host Kirbe Schnoor on this week’s Dirt Diaries podcast to dig in on entrepreneurship, legacy, and letting go.
November 06, 2025 12:33 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
mi9pf07q.jpg
Livestock
U.S.-Mexico Border Closure Hits Feed Lots Hard
Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland explains how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico border closure impacts feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm.
November 06, 2025 12:01 PM
 · 
RFD NEWS STAFF
taking a toll on turkeys 1280.jpg
High-Path Avian Flu
HPAI Hits Commercial Poultry Flocks Across the Midwest
Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu (HPAI) cases are rising. In the last week, seven commercial turkey, duck, and egg layer flocks were culled across five Midwest states and California.
November 05, 2025 11:36 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
2aL6dcnL.jpg
Washington Policy
Supreme Court Reviews President Trump’s Trade Tariff Policy
A SCOTUS ruling on Trump’s tariffs could have long-term implications on the authority of future administrations to control U.S. trade policy, according to RFD-TV legal expert Roger McEowen.
November 05, 2025 11:08 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Load More