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
Galynn Beer of Tidal Grow Agri-Science joined us to discuss challenges in fertility management, the benefits of Align-N, and what growers can expect at Commodity Classic next week.
Iowa farmer Derek Hommer joined us to discuss grain bin safety, ongoing prevention efforts, and the importance of community preparedness during Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Week.
Congresswoman Celeste Maloy of Utah joins Champions of Rural America to discuss her new leadership role in the Western Caucus and her perspective on the Supreme Court’s ruling on President Trump’s tariff policy.
Tommy Roach with Nachurs Alpine Solutions discuss fertilizer decision-making, plant fertility strategies, and what farmers can learn at Commodity Classic.
Pre-filled Applications Available Online to Producers with a Login.gov Account
Fertilizer still consumes an unusually large share of crop value.
Kerry Hartwig from Sukup Manufacturing previews the grain management solutions they plan to share with producers at the upcoming Commodity Classic in San Antonio.
FBN co-founder Charles Baron previews the upcoming Farmer2Farmer event and how technology and AI are shaping the industry, offering growers practical insights and farmer-led strategies for modern agriculture.
The USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum highlights modest price support from tighter supplies across cotton, grains, dairy, livestock, and sugar into 2026.

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:

Foreign trade partners, such as China and the European Union, are still purchasing U.S. commodities, but are becoming more cautious as the Trump Administration’s tariff deadline approaches in August.
Demand for farm loans surged in the first quarter of the year, topping the previous record set in 2016.
Congress is seeking insight from meteorologists and weather researchers on how new technology can enhance safety and response times to severe weather and prevent future disasters.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer says the labor program will now be fully under her department, and consolidation will make the program more affordable and efficient for farmers and ranchers.
FarmHER Kait Thornton joined us on Thursday on the Market Day Report to talk about the podcast episode, her family orchard’s 100th anniversary + more!
Tennessee FarmHER Bridget Bryant’s porch garden evolves into a sprawling community outreach project that provides fresh produce to those in need and teaches urban kids how to grow their own food.