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.

southwest_arizona desert sunset catus_adobe stock.png

Adobe Stock

BUCKEYE, ARIZONA (RFD NEWS) — A range of factors is shaping farmland and ranch real estate activity across Arizona, where unique water and climate conditions continue to influence buyer demand and land values.

Shawn Wood with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on current market conditions in the state.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Wood discussed what is currently driving activity in Arizona’s farmland and ranch sales market, including how evolving conditions are shaping buyer demand and pricing across different regions. He also addressed the ongoing challenges of water availability and climate pressures in Arizona agriculture, and how these factors are influencing farming operations and long-term land-use decisions.

Wood further explained the importance of Colorado River water to the state, noting its role in supporting both agricultural production and urban demand, and discussed what could be at stake if those supplies are reduced.

Finally, he touched on whether recent border closures and enforcement changes are having any impact on real estate markets, particularly in rural and border-area communities.

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:

Sen. Deb Fischer, of Nebraska, mentioned that Congress pushing through year-round E15 sales will do more to help commodity growers than more farm aid, which is currently a reality.
Sen. Moran joins us to discuss the farm aid package and the financial reality faced by row crop farmers in his home state of Kansas.
Tariff relief and new trade agreements may temper food costs by reducing import costs.
Lawmakers and experts react to the Administration’s long-awaited announcement of “bridge” aid to stabilize farms and offset 2025 losses until expanded safety-net programs begin in 2026.
Read the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s official press release published on Monday, December 8, 2025.
Joe Peiffer with Ag & Business Legal Strategies advises farmers on end-of-year financial planning, including preparing records, avoiding common credit mistakes, and evaluating equipment purchases for 2026.