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
Cindy Kovar with AgriSafe joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about road safety and agriculture as we age.
USMEF CEO Dan Halstrom joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report for his analysis on the U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, which includes big bucks for U.S. Beef.
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across each region of the United States for the week of Monday, September 22, 2025.
Chad Collin, founder of The Quack Pack USA, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to share his expertise in training Border Collies to serve as indispensable farm and ranch dogs.
More than 100 pork producers traveled to Washington to meet with lawmakers and underscore the threat to small family farms.
Cheaper freight is helping exports move, especially corn, but weaker soybean demand looms large.

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:

Former Market Day Report anchor Janet Adkison was inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame, recognizing over 20 years of service sharing stories that impact Rural America.
Jake Charleston, with Specialty Risk Insurance, joins us now for an industry update and advice for cattle producers as they consider options for managing the risks of a murky market.
The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.
AFBF Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, Dr. John Newton, explains the factors contributing to the growing financial strain in the ag sector and the urgent need for swift economic support.
Tyson’s Nebraska plant closure and falling Cattle on Feed numbers send cattle markets tumbling. Analysts warn of tighter supplies, weak margins, and rising global competition.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller warns horse owners after EHV-1 cases linked to the Waco WPRA Finals. Horses linked to recent Waco events should be isolated and closely monitored, as early action is critical to stopping the spread of EHV-1.