Western Land Values Shift As Outside Forces Reshape the Market

ASFMRA’s Skye Root joins us to discuss shifts in Western farmland markets, financial pressures facing producers, and the outside forces influencing land values and decision-making.

costner 1.jpg

Photo via Kevin Costner & Modern West Instagram

BOISE, IDAHO (RFD NEWS) — Farm financial pressures are beginning to show up in the land market, as a mix of economic challenges and outside forces shape buying and selling activity across the West.

Accredited farm manager Skye Root with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to provide insight from his region.

In his interview with RFD News, Root discussed current trends in farmland sales in the West and how today’s market compares to the past few years, highlighting where financial pressures are showing up within farm operations.

Root also explained how factors like data center expansion, renewable energy development, and water constraints are influencing farmland values and reshaping the market.

Finally, he shared some key decisions he thinks farmers should be considering more strategically in the current environment.

Related Stories
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.

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:

Callahan is no stranger to agricultural trade and has been with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office since 2016.
The Pet and Livestock Protection Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.