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.

Related Stories
Brandy Carroll with the Arkansas Farm Bureau shares an update on planting conditions and what producers are facing this season.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains shifting global trade dynamics and what they could mean for agriculture and energy markets.
Aris Georgiadis with Dairy Management Inc. joined us to discuss the “Dairy Does More” campaign and how it is working to boost demand for dairy.
Farmer John Jenkinson shares the latest on planting conditions in Kansas and what producers are facing this season.
Texas ranchers and lawmakers warn of renewed New World screwworm risks, highlighting prevention efforts, border concerns, and the role of sterile flies in protecting U.S. livestock.
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch discusses the USDA’s request for feedback on data and research, how such requests work, and what farmers should know about submitting comments before the Thursday, April 9 deadline.

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:

In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Jeffrey Gold shares how disparities in dental care impact rural Americans and why early detection is important.
While the Farm Bill is top of mind right now, it is far from the only issue getting attention in Washington.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, discusses EPA DEF system changes and what they mean for the supply chain and fuel costs.
JBS says the plant is now operating at full capacity as plant workers return to work.
Rising costs and prices are shifting acreage toward soybeans. Most fertilizer prices are up double digits from this time last year, with Urea seeing the largest gains.
Industry leaders argue the decision could disrupt confidence in conservation practices and increase regulatory uncertainty for producers across the region.