Water Availability and Trade Uncertainty Pressure Farmland Market Values

Jeramy Stephens of National Land Realty breaks down current trends in the farmland real estate market and how landowners should consider water availability and its impact on land values as they plan for the year ahead.

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS (RFD NEWS) — Correctly pricing property is a top priority for landowners this year, as factors like water availability and trade uncertainty continue to influence farmland values and investor interest. Producers and buyers alike are closely watching how these elements may impact the market moving forward.

Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to provide insight into the current state of the farmland market.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Stephens discussed how access to water plays a key role in determining land value, particularly in regions where irrigation and reliable water sources directly affect productivity. He also addressed the impact of trade policy and economic uncertainty on land sales, noting that concerns about producer profitability can influence buyer confidence and pricing trends. Despite these challenges, Stephens said the market is seeing steady activity from both producers and investors looking for long-term opportunities in agricultural land.

Stephens also offered guidance to those navigating the farmland market, encouraging buyers and sellers to stay informed, carefully evaluate regional factors, and work with knowledgeable professionals to make strategic decisions.

Related Stories
Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
Greater transparency into USDA-backed lending can help rural lenders and producers better assess credit availability and investment trends.
Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
New rule speeds leasing and permitting for federal oil and gas development
Auction manager and West Texas A&M University student Presley Graves joined us to discuss the growth of StockShowAuctions.com and its impact on youth in agriculture.
Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening joined us with the latest update on storm conditions and impacts across the state.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, provides new updates on winter storm impacts and the outlook for rural power reliability.
Jessi Grote from the AgriSafe Network provides winter safety guidance for rural communities still recovering from the recent winter storm.
CattleCon 2026 officially kicks off Tuesday and continues through Thursday, bringing producers together to shape the future of the U.S. cattle industry.
Traders say that shift could eventually prompt the USDA to scale back soybean export projections, noting the outlook differs greatly for other grain commodities.
The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares a closer look at the dairy market and the forces impacting producers today.