20 October 2022, US: Despite efforts by the Federal Reserve to slow inflation and skyrocketing interest rates, farmland as an asset class has remained steady. While farmland is influenced by interest rates, it has less connectivity to broader economic signals and is fairly insulated from the ongoing issues that are plaguing the U.S. economy.
There is strong confidence generally speaking that farmland real estate will continue to hold value unless interest rates get well above inflation rates and hold for a very long time. It would take a sustained period of the foregoing for farmland values to be affected in a notably negative way. Recent data from the USDA shows U.S. farmland values actually increased 12.4% between June 2021 and June 2022, but the future of such values is somewhat uncertain.
Even if farmland values were to soften in coming years, the downturn would likely be shallow and not persistent like it was in the 1980s. The ‘80s were plagued with high inflation rates, and energy and food price shocks that started in the ‘70s, which is different from today’s economic climate.
[Learn more about how the economic shocks of 2022 are affecting farmland values in our recent FBN Research report. Unlock the free report today.]
While the most limiting resource in agricultural production is farmland, a growing and more affluent population craves a more protein-centric diet. Thus, there will be an ever increasing drive and need for grain.
Today, we have global grain shortfalls from weather and war which are having short term effects on global markets but farmland values should continue to trend around fair value based on projected cash flows and produce favorable returns for ranchers and farmers.
Try our new farm land loan calculator
Looking to capitalize on farmland real estate? Our goal is to always put Farmers First® by helping you to secure your financial future. That’s why we’re excited to share our new farm land loan calculator with you. This new tool will bring transparency and visibility to estimated rates and fees up front to help you better understand your options for buying farmland.
Now, you’ll be able to compare different loans before purchasing your land to see what works best for your operation.
How to estimate your payment
There are a few things you’ll need to know to get started using the loan calculator. Here’s how it works:
Answer a few basic questions that include:
Your desired loan amount
Estimated land value
Your credit score
You will receive an estimate of your semi-annual or annual loan payments based on the information you provide and our current rates.
Start your land loan application today or contact an advisor if you have any questions.
