Terrain Ag economist Matt Erickson analyzed more than 30 years of USDA data across 10 Midwest and Plains states and found that farmland returns vary significantly by region. His research showed that states such as Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Iowa generated more of their returns through land appreciation, while states like Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota relied more heavily on income returns, often with greater volatility.

AttorneyChristina Rather says proposed changes to the Agricultural Foreign InvestmentDisclosure Act (AFIDA) could significantly expand reporting requirements forforeign-owned agricultural assets. The proposal would apply to existing landholdings, shorten the lease-reporting threshold from more than 10 years to morethan one year, broaden the definition of agricultural land, and increasepenalties for noncompliance.

Ron Dunker of Oaken says one of the biggest risks facing farm operations is the coming transfer of farmland ownership. With roughly half to two-thirds of U.S. farmland operated under lease agreements and a large generational land transition underway, Dunker discusses why farmers need a long-term plan to retain rented acres and strengthen relationships with future landowners.

A new analysis from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition found the USDA has lost more than 20,000employees since January 2025, including significant reductions in local Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices.Research cited by Dr. Becky Schewe found more than one-third of U.S. counties lost at least one FSA employee, 42 counties lost all FSA county staff, and 141 counties had no NRCS staff by early 2026.

Minnesota farmer and American Soybean Association board member Jamie Beyer discusses her recent travel to Washington, D.C., to urge lawmakers to preserve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and how this has helped grow U.S. soybean exports to Canada and Mexico. Beyer also highlights the agreement’s support for agricultural biotechnology, noting that new seed traits can take about 13 years to move from the lab to farmers' fields.

This week, we’re joined by Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh to discuss new laws governing hydrogen exploration in the state, where companies are searching for deposits roughly 8,000 feet underground that could create new income opportunities for landowners. The legislation requires at least 25% voluntary participation in pooled land agreements, adds landowner protections, and could eventually help lower fertilizer costs, which currently run $200–$250 per ton higher in Iowa than in Texas.

Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin says drought across the Southern Plains is driving one of the smallest hard red winter wheat crops in 60 to 70 years. About 20% of Kansas acres are expected to be abandoned, with production potentially the lowest since the late 1950s after dry conditions in March and April cut yields across multiple states.

U.S. almond production is shrinking, with bearing acres declining and crop sizes falling below the roughly 3‑billion‑pound levels seen in recent years. Industry leaders say reduced supply, driven by orchard removals and water constraints, is helping stabilize prices after years of oversupply and weak margins.

Nathan Wild and Emily Woody, built their farming business in British Columbia despite starting with no land, money, or connections. After struggling with labor‑intensive production, they shifted to a farm hub model that aggregates food from neighboring farms, allowing customers to order online and receive home delivery. Their system now supports local producers, generates over $200,000 in sales, and forms the basis of their mentorship initiative, Small Scale Rebellion, aimed at helping others adopt similar collaborative models.

Ben Tindall of Save Family Farming discusses growing tensions over water policy in Washington state, where proposed buffer expansions from 20–30 feet to as much as 200–250 feet could take significant farmland out of production. He explains how shifting water rights interpretations and increasing regulation are creating uncertainty for farmers already facing rising costs, and why the debate reflects a broader struggle to balance environmental protection with agricultural viability.