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
Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss rising input costs, proposed fertilizer legislation, and potential support for farmers navigating tight margins.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to discuss the latest crop progress report and how market uncertainty and input costs are shaping planting decisions this spring.
As AI-driven data centers expand in rural South Texas, local officials and economists debate water use, farmland impacts, and the balance between technology growth and agriculture preservation.
As federal policy shifts toward greater tribal sovereignty, farmers and ranchers (and their legal counsel) must prioritize clear, written contracts and stay engaged with state legislative developments and tribal council updates.
The Farm Monitor takes us along to see how they’re leaning on technology to improve poultry production.
Shifts in energy demand will influence fuel, fertilizer, and input costs.

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:

Industry leaders argue the decision could disrupt confidence in conservation practices and increase regulatory uncertainty for producers across the region.
A Nebraska rancher says his land may not support cattle this year after 2,000 acres were burned in recent devastating wildfires across the state.
Brandy Carroll with the Arkansas Farm Bureau shares an update on planting conditions and what producers are facing this season.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains shifting global trade dynamics and what they could mean for agriculture and energy markets.
Aris Georgiadis with Dairy Management Inc. joined us to discuss the “Dairy Does More” campaign and how it is working to boost demand for dairy.
While social media has labeled the possible event a “Godzilla El Niño,” experts say the intensity remains uncertain—but the signal for a stronger pattern is there.