Owning land has always been a priority for farmers and ranchers, but interest in this real asset by investors has grown the past year.
“Prices for top quality cropland in the Eastern Plains sold through our auctions and listings have increased since the beginning of the year,” said Paul Schadegg, area sales manager for Farmers National Company. “Demand for good farmland has definitely increased.”
Despite the challenges faced by agriculture and producers in 2020, the land market remained stable throughout the year and strengthened for good cropland in the last quarter. Producers across the Southern Plains endured economic challenges with interruptions to livestock deliveries, weather issues, lower ethanol demand and a late season drought in some areas.
“In East Texas, our sales of timberland are increasing as sellers and buyers get more active.
Ranchland prices in the state are strong as demand grows for that type of investment. Good Delta cropland continues to strengthen. Western Kansas dryland farms are selling at prices not seen for almost a decade,” Schadegg said.
“We are fortunate at Farmers National to have the most complete tool box of auction and sales methods of anyone to sell land. This includes all variations of online auctions and written bid sales. Our agents use the best sales method available to bring about a successful sale for our clients,” Schadegg added.
Farmers National Company’s land sales volume was up 49 percent during October and November compared to last year despite there remaining a normal to lower supply of land for sale in the overall market. Looking ahead, Schadegg comments, “Investor interest and farmer demand will continue to drive the land market in 2021 and I expect we will see strong prices as we start the year.”
