On the edge: Farmland values treading water . . . for now

For the Farmer
Posted 6/14/19

The future of the farmland market continues to be a guessing game.

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On the edge: Farmland values treading water . . . for now

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OMAHA – The future of the farmland market continues to be a guessing game. So far, values have been supported by low interested rates and a strong buyer pool for limited land for sale. But numerous financial metrics point to a deterioration of farmers’ financial health, according to a semi-annual market update from Farmers National Company. 

“As 2019 unfolds, the land market will remain on edge watching farm finances, weather, and trade issues,” says Randy Dickhut, senior vice president of real estate operations for Farmers National. “The outcome of these and other unknowns will guide which direction land values will move over the coming months.”

Despite a slower land market, Dickhut reports Farmers National has seen a 29 percent increase in the number of acres sold by the company compared to last year and 22 percent over two years ago.

Part of the reason for this uptick, he says, is due to an increasing number of farmland sales by financially stressed producers.

“Some of these sales are sold quietly and not exposed to the marketplace to get top dollar,” Dickhut said. “Other sales are coming from producers who are pro-actively liquidating a land asset to improve their balance sheet and cash flow. Farmers National is now handling an increasing number of land sales and receiverships for lenders.”

Location and quality continue to be key drivers of land prices.

“There have been some strong sales for high quality farmland in Iowa and for recreational land in the right location for the buyer,” says Sam Kain, area sales manager in Iowa and Wisconsin for Farmers National. “We are starting to see increasing signs of financial stress among farmers.” 

“The farmer buyer is being more cautious and more selective in the farms they will bid on,” Kain says. “The 1031 exchange buyers have been active and continue to support current land prices. Investors are also active buyers depending on the type of land they are interested in.”

Farmers with financial challenges are also evident in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, says Brian Mohr, area sales manager for Farmers National.

“We are starting to see increasing signs of financial stress among farmers approaching some of what we saw in the 90s,” he says, noting working capital for most producers is declining with the tighter margins putting pressure on loan repayment capacity. 

In Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri and Arkansas, the overall agricultural real estate market has taken a sluggish turn when compared to a year ago, reports Roger Hayworth, area sales manager for Farmers National. 

“The uncertainty created by trade issues and projections of continuing lower farm incomes clouds the horizon for farmers and land buyers,” he says.

In Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, Paul Schadegg, area sales manager for Farmers National, reports a higher number of sales activity in the region compared to last year. 

“High quality land has sold well whereas lower quality land saw a decline in demand and price,” he says.

Agricultural land values have been surprisingly resilient over the past two years despite the continuation of depressed farm incomes, Dickhut says. Supportive factors combined to hold land prices in most areas, especially for good quality farmland. The biggest concern looking forward is the financial health of farmers and ranchers.