Blog
May 16, 2025
How Columbia Basin Farmers Saved 17 Billion Gallons of Water Through AgTech Innovation
Farmers and communities east of Moses Lake and north of Warden, in Washington State’s Grant and Adams counties, are on the verge of a significant shift in how they access and use water.
May 9, 2025
2025 Delta Agricultural Outlook: Insights for Landowners
The 2025 farming season in the Delta region is proving to be one of the most difficult in recent years - and that is saying something. Landowners across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas are watching their tenants shift crop strategies, struggle with flood damage, and continue to tighten their belts as economic conditions remain strained.
May 7, 2025
Land Auction Results | April 2025
The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 69 tracts or 6,511 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during April 2025. The average dollar per acre was $12,136, the average dollar per tillable acre was $15,979, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $185.
May 1, 2025
Louisiana’s Specialty Crops: Beyond Cotton & Corn
Explore Louisiana’s high-value specialty crops—from sweet potatoes to crawfish—and how they offer farmers and investors fresh opportunities beyond row crops.
April 24, 2025
Michigan’s Agricultural Diversity
Michigan stands as one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the U.S., producing over 300 different commodities. This diversity is second only to California, thanks to Michigan’s unique combination of fertile soil, ample rainfall, and varied microclimates.
April 18, 2025
Peoples Company Launches Corporate Services Division
Leveraging its scale, expertise, and global reach, Peoples Company will consult for large organizations with diverse agriculture holdings to maximize the value of their assets.
April 16, 2025
Positioning Your Farm to “Yield” the Best Results
Learn how to position your farmland for maximum profitability and long-term value. In this comprehensive guide, George Baird, AFM, AAC with Peoples Company Land Management, shares expert insights on assessing land potential, leveraging USDA programs, negotiating effective leases, and staying informed on ag economics. Discover tools like FarmWorth, custom mapping solutions, and farmland assessments to help landowners make confident, data-driven decisions.
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.
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April 7, 2025
Iowa Land Values Update | 2025 Quarter 1
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.
April 4, 2025
How Government Policies May Impact Midwest Farmland Values
Midwest farmland values have long been a barometer of agricultural health, yet they are traditionally insulated from significant fluctuation caused by government policies or shifts in the general economy. As we move into 2025, many people believe that two government policies—tariffs and the recently enacted American Relief Act—are poised to influence these values in the near term. Here’s a quick look at how they might play out.
April 3, 2025
Land Auction Results | March 2025
The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 50 tracts or 4,981 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during March 2025. The average dollar per acre was $12,597, the average dollar per tillable acre was $13,722, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $176.
March 31, 2025
Big Power, Small Package: The Future of Nuclear Energy
Imagine holding a small, black pebble in your hand—about the size of a golf ball. Thanks to Kairos Power, I recently had the opportunity to do just that at the ROSA Energy conference. It doesn’t look like much, but this tiny nuclear fuel pebble contains as much energy as 4 tons of coal. That’s the kind of energy density nuclear power brings to the table.
March 31, 2025
Spring Planting and Crop Insurance in Iowa: Key Dates You Need to Know
As spring planting approaches, it's essential to understand key crop insurance dates and how they impact your coverage. Here’s a concise overview of important deadlines and guidelines to help you prepare.
March 28, 2025
Peoples Company Agents Recognized as Land Star Award Top Producers for 2024
Congratulations to Peoples Company agents Matt Adams, Lindsey Brown, Steve Bruere, Adam Crist, Jake Sickels, and Travis Smock for each winning the coveted Land Star Top Producer Award in 2024! Their dedication and hard work haven't gone unnoticed, and this award is a well‑deserved recognition of their exceptional achievements in the land real estate market.
March 26, 2025
Landowner Insights Webinar | March 2025
In the March edition of the Landowner Insights series, Dr. Dave Muth of Peoples Company Capital Markets is joined by Peoples Company land professionals Hunter Norland, Curtis Buono, and George Baird to discuss current market trends.
March 19, 2025
Peoples Company Receives Top Land Auction Honors at REALTORS® Land Institute APEX Awards Program
Peoples Company, a national leader in land brokerage, agricultural appraisal, land and energy management, crop insurance, and capital markets, received top land auction honors at the REALTORS® Land Institute’s APEX Award ceremony in Tucson, Arizona on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The APEX Awards, held in conjunction with The Land Report, is a top annual awards program designed to recognize excellence and performance of land sale professionals.
March 17, 2025
Mud Season
It is mud season for many of us across the country. That time of year where winter is coming to an end and warmer temperatures are more consistent. The ground thawing and snow melting combined with spring rains creates a muddy, slippery environment.
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.
March 3, 2025
Land Auction Results | February 2025
The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 65 tracts or 7,510 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during February 2025. The average dollar per acre was $12,178, the average dollar per tillable acre was $13,263, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $171.
February 28, 2025
Mineral Rights vs. Surface Rights: What's the Difference and Why it Matters
Many people assume that owning land means controlling everything above and below the surface. However, mineral rights and surface rights are separate legal interests, and understanding their distinction is crucial for landowners, investors, and energy developers.
