Blogs by Ryan Ferguson
February 26, 2026
Transitional Farmland: Investing in Land in the Path of Growth
Learn what transitional farmland is and why land near expanding cities can command premium value. Explore how growth trends, infrastructure, and development potential influence pricing beyond traditional agricultural factors.
November 24, 2025
Why Crypto Investors Should Be Turning to Farmland as a Stable Alternative Asset
As digital wealth seeks real-world footing, farmland stands out as a stable, inflation-resistant anchor for the next generation of investors.
October 13, 2025
From Data to Decisions: Planning the 2026 Crop Season Starts Now
See how farm managers use data, technology, and collaboration to plan the 2026 crop season months in advance, turning today’s insights into tomorrow’s success.
July 30, 2025
From Generation to Generation: Why Farm Succession Planning Matters
So far this week, I’ve heard the same expression from two completely unrelated sources: “Old __________ would be rolling over in his grave if he knew his kids were fighting like this!” It’s only Wednesday. There’s a real chance I could hear it again before the week is out.
April 14, 2025
The Crucial Role of an Appraisal in Estate Planning and Management
When managing an estate, an appraisal plays a vital role in determining the fair market value of assets such as real estate and farmland. This valuation is essential for ensuring accurate tax calculations, fair inheritance distribution, and legal compliance. Understanding the appraisals' purpose can help protect family wealth and simplify the estate planning process.
November 27, 2024
Harvesting Timber for Additional Income
While corn and soybeans dominate the landscape, it is easy to overlook the small, yet active logging industry found across the Midwest. Iowa alone has 2.1 million acres of woodlands, where local loggers harvest common species ranging from oak and walnut along the Mississippi River to maple and cottonwood in the state’s interior. Logging as a niche market in the larger agriculture industry generates a $5 billion impact on Iowa’s economy.
July 25, 2024
Why Invest in Farmland with Lower Cash Yields Compared to Current Treasuries
Investing in farmland with a cash yield of only 2.5% might seem less attractive when current treasuries yield 5% or more. However, several strategic reasons exist to consider farmland a valuable addition to your investment portfolio. This article will explore these reasons, including inflation hedging, portfolio diversification, long-term appreciation, and other benefits that make farmland a compelling investment.
June 17, 2024
The Risks and Benefits of Grazing Cover Crops
The benefits of cover crops have long been celebrated in the agriculture community. Hailed as unsung heroes, they are known to prevent erosion, improve soil structure, and suppress weeds. Grazing cover crops is simply the next logical chapter in the regenerative saga. Soil enthusiasts champion this natural method of maintaining soil fertility, likening it to nature's own recycling program.
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June 13, 2024
Eminent Domain Valuation
Farmland owners face several challenges to ownership related to utility companies, pipeline companies, highways, and others who need to acquire property for a potential new corridor through their land. There are increasing demands for power and energy sources which is leading to increased demands from agencies needing to acquire land. It is important for landowners and companies that need to acquire a corridor to understand the process of completing appraisals for eminent domain purposes.
March 1, 2024
Iowa Farm Manager Earns Highest Professional Status
Paul Anderson, AFM, Peoples Company, Indianola, IA, has been awarded the Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) designation from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers® (ASFMRA®).
December 27, 2023
Commercial Real Estate vs. Farmland
After reading yet another negative headline on the $20 trillion commercial real estate (CRE) market, I was reminded of the investment characteristic I once assumed the CRE market shared with the $4 trillion farmland market.
October 11, 2023
How to Grow Better Food Plots
White-tailed deer are one of the most iconic wildlife species across the country and, by far, the most hunted big game species. Managing populations and herd health is an important aspect of maximizing hunting opportunities. One effective way to support your local deer population is by planting food plots. Once established, food plots provide supplemental nutrition for deer, especially during critical times like winter and early spring when natural forage is scarce. Soil fertility, plant selection, and weed control are just a few of the key components that contribute to the overall success of deer food plots.
September 11, 2023
What is a Multi-Parcel Auction?
Peoples Company Multi-Parcel Auction Platform
Our innovative approach to real estate auctions includes offering...
June 19, 2023
Property Valuation: Asking Price vs. Sale Price
The valuation of agricultural properties relies heavily on the analysis of comparable transactional data. Prior...
March 14, 2023
Which Fruit Trees Grow Best in Iowa?
When most people think of Iowa, the first thing that comes to mind is corn and soybeans, and why wouldn’t it?...
November 22, 2022
Pasture Lease Considerations
Leasing land can always present a set of challenges, regardless of its use. Leasing pastureland can...
June 20, 2022
Challenges in the Valuation of Permanent Plantings
Permanent Plantings include long-lived tree or vine crops that typically have a lifespan greater than 10 years and...
May 11, 2022
How To Grow Bigger Fish
Few things in life are as exciting as buying a piece of recreational land. Instant visions of hunting on a...
March 8, 2022
What's Driving Grain Markets?
What began as a rising tide in post-Derecho, 2020 turned into the perfect storm of high demand and an uncertain...
February 15, 2022
Maximizing Value: Breaking Properties into Bite-Sized Pieces
** This property is not for sale and is only used as an example
Have you ever wondered why real estate...
