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
Brooks York with Agri-Sompo joined us to discuss this year’s harvest price calculations and what they could mean for producers nationwide.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) representative Dr. Dirac Twidwell joins us with the latest on woody encroachment conservation efforts in the Great Plains.

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:

A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.
The U.S. has a bountiful corn supply, but markets are waiting for the January WASDE Report, which will include updated yield estimates.
Rising federal debt is increasing pressure on Washington to limit spending, which could tighten future funding and delivery for agricultural programs.
Western Caucus member Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) details the SPEED Act on Champions of Rural America. The legislation aims to reform NEPA, streamline permitting, and expand domestic energy development.
“I’m not sure where this bridge goes,” trader Brady Huck with Advanced Trading told RFD-TV News earlier this week.
CoBank’s 2026 Year Ahead Report cites global grain oversupply, easing inflation, rate cuts, and major data center growth that could reshape rural America.