Land Management Blogs

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.

Cotton has long been a cornerstone of agriculture in the Mid-South, a region known for its fertile soil, favorable climate, and rich agricultural heritage. The Mid-South, stretching across Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri Bootheel, and Louisiana, has become one of the leading cotton-producing areas in the United States. This article explores the factors contributing to successful cotton production in the region, the cultivation process, and the challenges faced by farmers.

Leasing farmland is easy, but it’s not simple. Unlike commercial or residential real estate, farmland is renowned for its nearly 100% occupancy rate. If a farmer retires, there is often a line of people eager to assume the farm lease on that property. Finding someone to farm your land – that’s the easy part.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wind and solar energy get significant attention as key renewable energy sources as the country diversifies from fossil fuels. Just as significant is the biofuels sector, where ongoing plant breeding research aims to increase yield and enhance production sustainability for biofuel feedstock.