Daran Becker
October 16, 2026
Pass It On: Why the Appraisal Industry Needs More Mentors
Becoming a Certified General Appraiser is demanding, and finding a mentor is often the hardest step. Peoples Company on why the appraisal industry needs more mentors now.
October 14, 2026
Small Battery Storage Sites in Illinois: A New Lease Opportunity for Landowners
Illinois landowners near substations may qualify for long-term battery storage leases, often on one acre or less. Learn what’s driving demand and how to evaluate your property.
September 22, 2026
Will Cover Crops Pay? 45Z and Low-Carbon Corn Premiums
Learn how the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit and cover crops may create low-carbon corn premiums, and what producers should know before planting.
August 14, 2026
2026 Fertilizer Prices & Farm Profitability: A Nebraska Farm Management Perspective
Fertilizer costs remain elevated in 2026, squeezing Nebraska corn margins. Peoples Company's Randy Oertwich breaks down MAP, DAP, UAN, and AMS prices and how landowners and operators can manage risk.
July 29, 2026
Should You Sell Your Mineral Rights? 7 Questions First
Before selling your mineral rights, ask these 7 questions. Peoples Company helps owners evaluate production, taxes, and long-term goals.
July 17, 2026
Why Relationships Still Matter in Southeast Rural Real Estate
Technology is changing rural real estate, but in the Southeast, trust and local relationships still determine which deals get done. Peoples Company explains why.
June 22, 2026
Battery Energy Storage: Opportunities for Landowners
Battery storage offers farmland owners long-term income with a small footprint. Learn what landowners need to know about BESS development opportunities.
June 3, 2026
How DoD Changes Are Affecting Wind Energy Project Timelines
Recent Department of Defense review changes are delaying wind energy project approvals. Learn how these shifts affect timelines and what landowners need to consider.
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Peoples Company proactively works to anticipate the needs of those in the agricultural sector. Our monthly email publication keeps readers in the know about everything land.
May 21, 2026
Factors Appraisers Consider When Valuing Agricultural Land in Iowa
From soil productivity and drainage to interest rates and tract size, discover the key factors Iowa farmland appraisers use to determine agricultural land value — and why no two farms are priced the same.
March 20, 2026
Energy Market Update: Oil Prices Surge Amid Middle East Instability
Oil and gas prices are rising as geopolitical tensions disrupt supply chains and shipping routes. Learn what’s driving volatility, including Strait of Hormuz risks, production cuts, and global market reactions.
March 2, 2026
Interconnection Queue Explained: What Renewable Energy Landowners Need to Know
Learn how the interconnection queue affects solar, wind, and battery leases. Understand grid studies, upgrade costs, timelines, and the risks that determine whether your renewable energy project reaches construction.
January 23, 2026
Pooling Orders Explained: A Mineral Owner’s Step-by-Step Guide
Learn what a pooling order is, which states allow them, how mineral owners are notified, and what actions to take within strict deadlines to protect your mineral interests and value.
December 11, 2025
The Strategic Power of Sealed Bid Land Auctions
See how sealed bid land auctions create strong competition, protect privacy, and help sellers capture true market value. Learn how formats, psychology, and professional guidance shape results.
November 26, 2025
Wind Repowering: What Landowners Should Know About New Negotiation Opportunities
Across the country, thousands of wind turbines installed in the early 2000s are reaching the end of their original design life. Instead of retiring these projects, many developers are choosing to repower them, replacing older equipment with taller towers, longer blades, and more efficient technology.
November 18, 2025
The Life Cycle of a Farmland Appraisal | Understanding How Appraisers Determine Land Value
Explore how farmland appraisers determine value. Learn each step—from engagement and research to inspection and valuation methods—to understand what drives a credible farmland appraisal.
October 16, 2025
Valuing Improved Rural Sites: Understanding Appraisal Realities and Market Considerations
Discover how rural building sites are valued, why specialized improvements may not add worth, and how appraisals determine the highest and best use.
August 28, 2025
What Landowners Need to Know: Renewable Energy Leases After the OBBBA
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has changed the future of renewable energy projects. See how shortened tax credit deadlines and rising power prices impact lease negotiations, and why farmland owners may see growing demand for battery storage.
June 30, 2025
Maximizing Farmland Value: Solar Lease or Let it Grow?
As solar energy expands across rural America, landowners are increasingly receiving enticing offers to lease their land for solar development.
March 12, 2025
Factors That Affect the Value of Agricultural Land: A Complete Guide for Buyers and Sellers
The value of agricultural land is influenced by several factors, from soil quality to market demand. Whether you’re buying, selling, or appraising farmland, understanding these elements can help you make informed decisions. In this blog, we’ll explore the most critical factors affecting farmland prices and how they impact land valuation.
February 20, 2025
Timberland as an Investment Strategy: A Long-Term Asset for Growth and Stability
Timberland as an investment strategy offers a unique combination of long-term value, inflation resistance, and income generation. Unlike stocks or bonds, timberland provides returns through biological tree growth, land appreciation, and timber sales, making it an attractive option for diversification. Challenges include market volatility, environmental risks, and liquidity issues, requiring strategic investment planning.
