Blog
September 25, 2024
The Power of Networking
Go, Dog. Go! This classic children’s book written by P.D. Eastman was my daughter’s favorite book. She loved the pictures of colorful dogs franticly racing from one place to another, seemingly without any purpose. Some days a career in rural appraisal can feel very similar. Running from property inspections, market research, meetings, classes, verifying sales, and writing appraisal reports, can make it feel like we are running in circles.
September 24, 2024
Maximizing Value: Essential Farm Leasing Tips for Landowners
A well-drafted farm lease is more than just a document outlining acres and rental rates—it establishes the foundation for a strong, long-term relationship between the landowner and the farm operator. Early fall is the ideal time for landowners and tenant operators to begin discussing lease options for the coming year. Starting these conversations early allows ample time for goal-setting and financial planning to ensure everyone is fully prepared when spring rolls around.
September 24, 2024
Landowner Insights Webinar | September 2024
For our next webinar in the Landowner Insights series, Dave Chatterton of Strategic Farm Marketing joins Dr. Dave Muth to discuss crop insurance and how it impacts farmland values and returns.
September 9, 2024
Harnessing Multiple Revenue Streams: The Future of Land Investment
In an era where sustainability and profitability intertwine, land investment has evolved beyond conventional real estate ventures. Modern investors seek opportunities that not only promise financial gains but also contribute positively to the environment and communities.
September 6, 2024
Battery Energy Storage Systems: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Energy Future
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are revolutionizing the way we generate, store, and use energy. As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, these systems are becoming a critical component in ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. BESS not only help manage the variability of renewable energy but also play a vital role in creating a resilient and efficient power grid.
September 3, 2024
Land Auction Results | August 2024
The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 52 tracts or 5,039 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during August 2024. The average dollar per acre was $13,134, the average dollar per tillable acre was $14,862, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $181.
August 23, 2024
Exploring Hidden Opportunities in Farmland Investments
When we think of investment vehicles, our minds often drift to stocks, bonds, or commercial and residential real estate. But there’s an investment class that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves: farmland. Beyond its basic value as a commodity, farmland offers a range of unique benefits and hidden opportunities that set it apart from more traditional investments. Here’s why farmland is worthy of consideration for your diversified portfolio.
August 20, 2024
Crop Insurance as a Risk Management Tool in Farm Leases
Direct operation, custom farming, and crop share leases offer landowners the opportunity to market their assigned portion of the crop. Ideally, crops are sold at a price that covers the production costs and generates a desired profit, and executing a plan that does both is where the risk comes in.
Blog Categories
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
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.
August 14, 2024
Building Your Portfolio, Building Your Network
In the world of farmland, networking and building a robust portfolio are essential components of success. Whether you're an aspiring farmland investor, a seasoned agricultural professional, or a landowner looking to buy/sell, establishing strong relationships and cultivating a diverse portfolio can open doors to new opportunities and maximize your potential for success. Here are a few strategies for effective networking and portfolio building as it relates to the farmland sector.
August 7, 2024
Drilling Sideways: The High-Tech Magic of Horizontal Oil Wells
Horizontal drilling technology has revolutionized the oil and gas industry, unlocking previously inaccessible reserves and dramatically increasing production efficiency. This advanced method involves drilling vertically to a predetermined depth and then gradually curving the wellbore to extend horizontally through the targeted oil or gas reservoir. The process, although complex, offers numerous advantages over traditional vertical drilling, making it a cornerstone of modern petroleum extraction.
August 5, 2024
Land Auction Results | July 2024
The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 35 tracts or 2,754 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during July 2024. The average dollar per acre was $10,669, the average dollar per tillable acre was $13,495, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $178.
July 30, 2024
Peoples Company Receives Campaign of the Year Award at NAA Marketing Competition
For the fifth time, Peoples Company has won the coveted Campaign of the Year Award from the NAA Marketing Competition, presented by Blue River Digital. The award was given for Peoples Company's work on the C&W Farm Auction, a portfolio comprised of 6,693 acres m/l in Wichita County, Kansas
July 30, 2024
Landowner Insights Webinar | July 2024
For our next webinar in the Landowner Insights series, Kyle Walker joins Dr. Dave Muth and Steve Bruere to discuss Peoples Company's approach to managing farmland. This session will highlight our comprehensive strategies aimed at maximizing appreciation and ensuring long-term value growth.
July 29, 2024
Louisiana Rice Production
Rice production in Louisiana is a story woven deep into the fabric of the state's history, stretching back centuries and shaped by a tapestry of cultures, innovations, and challenges. The roots of Louisiana rice production can be traced back to the early 18th century when French colonists first introduced rice cultivation to the region. Inspired by the rice-growing traditions of West Africa, these settlers recognized the fertile soil, abundance of fresh water, and favorable climate as ideal for cultivating this staple crop.
July 29, 2024
Understanding Agricultural Appraisal in Lending: Ensuring Sustainable Financing for Farmers
In the realm of agricultural lending, the process of appraisal holds significant weight. It's not just about assessing the monetary value of land and assets; it's about understanding the intricacies of farming practices, environmental impacts, and the overall sustainability of agricultural operations. Agricultural appraisal ensures that lenders can make informed decisions while offering financial support to farmers, fostering growth in rural economies, and ensuring food security.
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.
July 24, 2024
FREE WEBINAR: Big Questions in Land Management | September 2024
Please join Peoples Company for our “Big Questions in Land Management” webinar series on Wednesday, September 4, from 3 PM to 4:30 PM Central Time. Edward Usset, Extension Professor with the University of Minnesota, will discuss “Grain Marketing is Simple.” Other topics include “Farm Bill Update” with Dr. Keith Coble, Vice President at Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine; “Family Farmer and Environmental Stewardship” with Trey Hill, Owner and Manager of Harborview Farms; and “Trends in Digital Payments for Ag” with Jake Joraanstad, CEO of Bushel. Please mark your calendars for this free webinar to hear from these industry experts.
July 10, 2024
California Farmland Investment in a Dynamic Market
California has long been the United States’ most significant agricultural producer in terms of crop diversity and total crop value – its ag exports alone are worth more than the total production of 44 states and California is the only state that generates over 10% of America’s agricultural receipts.
July 2, 2024
Iowa Land Values Update | 2024 Quarter 2
Peoples Company tracks agricultural auctions across the state of Iowa. From this data, we calculate the average dollar per CSR2 point ($/CSR2) for sales of tracts with greater than 85% tillable land. Additionally, these tracts are largely unimproved or include minimal improvement contribution.
July 2, 2024
Land Auction Results | June 2024
The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 87 tracts or 7,243 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during June 2024. The average dollar per acre was $11,298, the average dollar per tillable acre was $13,538, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $168.
