Peoples Perspective

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Midwest region of the United States, known for its expansive farmlands and agricultural heritage, is becoming a powerhouse for renewable energy development. This transformation is driven by the region's abundant natural resources, technological advancements, and supportive policy frameworks. In this article, we explore the current landscape of renewable energy in the Midwest, focusing on wind and solar power, and the benefits and challenges associated with this green revolution.

Please join Peoples Company for a Landowner Insights webinar where Dr. Dave Muth will help farmland owners analyze how these trends will impact asset values and examine the opportunities these new policies create for value-added management practices.

The energy sector is undergoing a transformative period marked by significant investments in renewable energy alongside continued robust investment in oil and gas. Understanding these investment trends is critical for stakeholders, policymakers, and the public, as they shape the future of energy supply, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.