LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. farmland market remains relatively stable, but regional differences are emerging as farmers navigate elevated input and transportation costs, along with uncertainty surrounding the Farm Bill.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss recent Midwest land sales, which remained strong, though prices did not reach some of the highs seen in previous years.
In his interview with RFD News, Stephens said that strong demand continues in some areas, while other agricultural markets are showing signs of slowing.
He noted that land markets tend to react slowly to changes in commodity prices, federal assistance and farm profitability. Recent federal assistance payments expected this fall could help producers offset some of last year’s losses, but uncertainty remains without a new Farm Bill in place.
If additional support is not available and producers continue facing high input costs, Stephens says farm profitability could eventually come under greater pressure. That could lead to lower rents and, over time, put downward pressure on land values.
Transportation costs are another concern heading into the second half of 2026. Stephens says elevated diesel and fertilizer prices are forcing producers to closely monitor every dollar coming in and going out.
Looking ahead, Stephens expects the remainder of 2026 to be challenging but not necessarily disastrous for producers.
“It’s going to be pretty much hope to survive, break even, make a little money and then keep going into next year.”
For farmers and investors with cash available to expand, Stephens’ comments suggest a market that still offers opportunities, but with significant differences depending on region, land quality and local agricultural economics.
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