Peoples Perspective

The business of farmland transactions and asset management is digitizing quickly. Twenty years ago, a farmland professional needed to take a trip to the local USDA NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) office to get a soil map for a farmland asset. The NRCS staff would use the USDA farm and tract number to find the asset in a binder, pull the page(s) with the map, and run the pages through the copying machine to produce hard copies of the map.

Alligator hunting in Louisiana is deeply rooted in the culture, history, and ecology of the state. Louisiana’s winding bayous/rivers, sprawling marshlands, and expansive timber tracts offer the largest selection of hunting experiences in the United States, drawing hunters from around the world who seek the adventure of hunting numerous different animals and species. Alligator hunting is probably the most unique and thrilling hunting experience offered in the boot state.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.