Who Is Buying America’s Farmland? Expert Discusses Foreign Investment Trends

ASFMRA’s Troy Swee joins us to discuss farmland values, investor activity, rental market trends, and the factors shaping rural real estate markets in today’s agricultural economy.

BERESFORD, S.D. (RFD NEWS) — Lower commodity prices, tighter operating margins, and ongoing economic uncertainty are creating new dynamics in the farmland market as producers, landowners, and investors evaluate opportunities across rural America.

Accredited Farm Manager Troy Swee with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the latest trends influencing farmland values, rental rates, and buyer activity.

In his interview with RFD News, Swee shared his perspective on investor interest in farmland, including the level of participation by out-of-state and foreign buyers and how that demand compares with local producers’ interest in today’s market. He also discussed recent movements in farmland values and whether the market is beginning to stabilize after several years of strong appreciation driven by high commodity prices and farm income.

The conversation examined the key factors considered when valuing agricultural land, including productivity, soil quality, location, drainage, local demand, and long-term income potential. In addition, Swee outlined the methods used to market farmland, including auctions and traditional listings, and discussed how sellers determine which approach is the best fit for a particular property.

Finally, he addressed cash rental trends, including whether weaker commodity prices have translated into lower rental rates and the lease structures most commonly being utilized by producers and landowners today.

LEARN MORE: www.asfmra.org

Related Stories
Cotton margins improved slightly, even as fertilizer and fuel costs rose due to the Strait of Hormuz disruption linked to the Iran war.
The New World Screwworm case was detected roughly 119 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border — at nearly the same latitude as Zapata, Texas.
On Tuesday’s Cow Guy Close, host Scott Shellady spoke with USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden about the decision, what he saw during a recent tour of the property, and why the department believes closure is the best path forward.
Cotton prices improved last week, but drought, storms, and uneven planting are keeping risk elevated.

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:

Colorado Congressman Jeff Hurd joins Champions of Rural America to share insights into the Western Caucus legislative priorities as they champion wildfire prevention and mitigation in the West.
Britt Hilton with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau joined us to discuss current conditions, producer impacts, and the road to recovery following the Ranger Road Fire.
National FFA Southern Region Vice President T. Wayne William talks about Wear Blue Day, the history of the blue jacket, and why the tradition continues to inspire pride and connection among FFA members nationwide.
The closure of Lubbock Feeders highlights mounting pressure on the U.S. cattle supply, according to the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, as border restrictions and costs strain feedyards.
From projected drops in input costs to biofuel expansion and the USDA’s new “One Farmer, One File” initiative, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins shared key policy priorities at Commodity Classic that put farm issues back in the spotlight.
NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart discussed the legal process behind delisting the prairie chicken, the challenges ranchers faced under the bird’s previous protections, and the benefits of cooperative habitat management for both livestock and wildlife.