Blogs by Ryan Ferguson

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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®).

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.

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.