Farmland Markets Adjust as Growers Weigh China Demand and Tight Margins

ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.

STORM LAKE, IOWA (RFD NEWS) — From global export developments to ongoing financial stress, farmers are weighing a number of factors as they make decisions this year, including how to navigate today’s farmland real estate market.

Dennis Reyman of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share insight into how producers are responding to recent market signals.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Reyman discussed the reaction to reports of potential soybean sales to China, noting how renewed export optimism has been received by farmers in his region. He also addressed whether that improved soybean outlook could lead to any acreage shifts this spring, explaining how producers are balancing crop economics with longer-term planning considerations.

Financial stress across agriculture remains a key concern, and Reyman shared what he is seeing on the ground regarding land values this winter. While pressures are evident in some areas, he offered a perspective on how the land market is adjusting. He also weighed the current outlook against the 1980s farm crisis, outlining key differences in today’s financial environment and explaining why the current situation, while challenging, is not a direct parallel.

Related Stories
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses the latest Farm Bill proposal and the path ahead for Congress and U.S. agriculture.
Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs joined us with an update on how the SBA is working to support rural communities and small businesses across the country.
Fred Nichols, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Huma, joined us with a sneak peek at Commodity Classic next week in San Antonio, Texas.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the ongoing measles outbreak in the United States and the importance of vaccination awareness on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
Federal aid helps, but producers will bear most of the losses. Balance sheets may look stable, but margins remain fragile without policy support.
RFD NEWS Markets Specialist Tony St. James reviews the USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2025 Summary.
Biofuel and corn producers await proposal as Renewable Fuels Association pushes for expanded ethanol access.
Strong corn exports support prices while soybeans lag yearly pace. However, large carryover stocks limit upside despite solid yields.

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:

National Education Center for Ag Safety Director Dan Neenan joins us to discuss grain bin safety and the steps producers can take to prevent tragedies.
As National Advisor, Carson will counsel both President Trump and Secretary Rollins on nutrition, healthcare access in rural areas, and housing. He will also serve as a key member of the MAHA Commission.
What is it like working cattle with an outbreak of New World Screwworm so close to home? Wayne Cockrell, with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, joined us on Wednesday to discuss.
Argentina hopes to boost demand, but critics see the move as a blow to American farmers.
Kevin Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance joined us Tuesday to share his perspective on farm safety and risk management during fall harvest.
Theresa Long and Theresa Pittman joined us on behalf of the AgriSafe Network to discuss the health and social issues impacting families in agriculture.