ASFMRA: The Biggest Issues Impacting California Farmland Values

ASFMRA’s Tony Toso joins us with an update on California farmland values, ongoing market uncertainty, and key discussions shaping agriculture in the Golden State.

central valley_ca_farmher_S6E1_shanley-farms.jpg

A View of California’s Central Valley (FarmHER Season 6, Episode 1 featuring Megan Shanley Warren)

FarmHER, Inc.

MODESTO, CALIF. (RFD NEWS) — Ongoing uncertainty in agriculture—from spring weather patterns to global events impacting input prices—is creating ripple effects across market trends and land values.

Tony Toso with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report from Modesto to share the latest insights from his region.

In his interview with RFD News, Toso discussed the California Chapter Spring Outlook Conference, highlighting key conversations taking place among ag professionals. He also previewed expectations for the upcoming Outlook 2026 Agribusiness Conference and Trends Report, including what speakers may address regarding land values and commodity trends across California.

Toso touched on his involvement in educational efforts this week, including teaching a conservation easement appraisal course, and explained why the topic is increasingly important for landowners and the broader ag industry. He also shared what attendees are seeing firsthand during the ag tour in the Modesto area, offering a closer look at conditions on the ground.

Related Stories
Iowa Ag Secretary Naig recaps discussions surrounding a potential federal aid package for farmers and shares insights on producer sentiment in the Heartland.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined RFD-TV to discuss coping strategies for those aching joints.
FarmHER Katey Jo Evans of The Frozen Farmer joins us for a sneak peek of the latest episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast.
As we gear up for the big event, Team BUBBA’s Brent Chapman of Kansas joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to talk preparation, teamwork, and the state of competitive bass fishing.
Rural businesses report softer sales, tougher hiring, and restrained investment — a backdrop that can pinch farm support capacity even if posted prices cool.

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:

Weather, Tight Supplies, and Planning Shape Farm Decisions
Cotton demand depends on demonstrating performance and reliability buyers can rely on, not messaging alone.
Read the full press release published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Lily Pryer’s passion shows how National FFA members are making an impact in classrooms and communities all across Rural America.
A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
Shaun Haney, Host of RealAg Radio on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147, joined us with his 2026 cattle market outlook and insights on beef prices.