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
U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman and U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin meet with Ohio farmers to discuss E15 expansion, rising input costs, trade concerns, and the need to move forward on a new farm bill.
Effort aims to reduce wildfire risk and restore forests
Fuel costs are shaping food and demand patterns.
Strong demand persists despite short-term price pressure.

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:

AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares a closer look at the dairy market and the forces impacting producers today.
Eliza Petry joins the RFD News team with a strong connection to agriculture and a commitment to covering the people and issues that matter most to rural America.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer helps producers navigate farm program payments and understand the key details farmers need to know.
Todd Janzen with Janzen Schroeder Ag Law explains the updated ag data use agreement model and what it means for farmers and companies alike.
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
STRAUSS CEO Henning Strauss joined us with a preview of “Meet Strauss: The Tool You Wear,” premiering live tonight at 7:30 ET — only on RFD Network and RFD+