LAKELAND, Fla. (RFD NEWS) — Farm balance sheets remain stable heading into 2026 largely because farmland real estate values continue supporting collateral and borrowing capacity even as income weakens.
AgAmerica Lending reports that farmland appreciation slowed in 2025 but remains historically strong. Only a few Midwest areas saw modest declines of two to three percent despite lower commodity prices.
This stability helps producers access credit, but it does not solve profitability challenges. Grain and cotton operations face the most financial pressure due to high costs and softer markets, while livestock — especially beef and poultry — remains comparatively stronger.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Land equity protects solvency but does not replace profitability.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Lenders are increasingly distinguishing between equity strength and income performance. Farms may appear financially healthy on paper, yet struggle to generate enough operating income to cover expenses and debt payments.
Strong land values, therefore, act as a buffer rather than a cure, buying time while producers adjust marketing, spending, and risk strategies.
A split-interest transaction involves one party acquiring a temporary interest in the asset (such as a term certain or life estate), with the other party acquiring a remainder interest. That is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV Agrilegal Expert Roger A. McEowen.
November 01, 2023 09:00 AM
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As I try to catch up on my writing after being on the road for a lengthy time, I have several recurring themes in my legal work. Another potpourri of random ag law and tax issues — that is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV Agrilegal Expert Roger McEowen.
October 31, 2023 02:21 PM
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Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders spoke with RFD-TV’s own Susan Alexander this Monday morning on the Market Day Report to explain Arkansas’s recently passed giving lawmakers greater authority to sanction foreign ag-land ownership within the state.
October 30, 2023 12:51 PM
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Many turn to the online resale market when economic times are uncertain, buying items for cheaper prices or selling quality items for extra money. Reselling secondhand items is also an efficient way to declutter and get some cash back for valuable items you no longer need.
October 13, 2023 04:57 PM
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In today’s blog post, RFD-TV Agri-Legal Expert Roger A. McEowen shares some random thoughts on land value and transitioning your farming or ranching business to a new generation.
October 13, 2023 11:31 AM
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Acquiring farm or ranch land, as well as the key concepts and issues are the topics of today’s blog post by RFD-TV Agri-legal Expert Roger McEowen.
October 12, 2023 03:01 PM
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