in the news

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ASFMRA Land Report - (Click the image to watch the video) Nick Westgerdes with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA), joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to provide insight on Illinois farmland.

 In this ‪RFD-TV Land Report segment, Nick Westgerdes, AFM, shares an in-depth update on:  • Illinois farmland value trends • Recent Federal Reserve land value data • Auction vs. sealed bid vs. listing sales methods • Why farmland values are more localized than ever • Northern Illinois price ranges for Class A farmland • Preview of the Illinois Society Land Values Conference  Nick describes the current land market as “stable and resilient”, with buyer and seller expectations still largely aligned — but emphasizes that success in today’s market requires local expertise.  If you're buying, selling, managing, or evaluating farmland, this is a must-watch update. 

Ag Economy Weighing on Cash Rents -  

(Click the image to listen to the interview) The effects of the down ag economy are showing up in the land market.  “Not so much optimism at the moment, to be honest.  I hate to be that way, but it’s challenging times.” Nick Westgerdes, president-elect of the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, says that land values are holding steady, but… “Resilient is the best way to describe them.”  He says, “We still see pretty strong sales out there in the countryside, but we’re starting to see some pretty severe pressure on rental rates.”

He tells Brownfield the relationship between a landowner and farmer can be tested in a downturn.

Enger Elected ISPFMRA President - (Click the image to read the article) The Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers’ new leadership team was seated at its annual meeting Feb. 5.

Laura Enger of Farmer City, certified general real estate appraiser at Farm Credit Illinois, Mahomet, was elected ISPFMRA president. Other officers are Nick Westgerdes, president-elect, New Roots Farm Brokerage, Rochelle; Nick Seuss, vice president, Field Level Agriculture, Greenville; Michael Lauher, immediate past-president, First Mid Ag Services, Mattoon; Gary Schnitkey, secretary-treasurer, University of Illinois; and Maria Boerngen, academic vice president, Illinois State University. 

Farmland Values Hold Steady as Farm Finances Weaken - (Click the image to read the article) Nick Westgerdes with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA), joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to provide insight on Illinois farmland.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Westgerdes discussed how farm values are holding up in the region, noting that while demand remains steady in some areas, sellers are exploring a variety of methods to move land in the current economy. He also reviewed 2026 rental rates, highlighting trends in lease negotiations and what farmers can expect as agreements wrap up for the year.

Looking ahead, Westgerdes encouraged attendance at the upcoming Illinois Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers Land Values Conference in April, where producers and landowners can learn more about market conditions, appraisal strategies, and navigating farmland sales.

Westgerdes forms New Roots Farm Brokerage - Real Estate, Auctions, and Management - (Click the image to read the article)   

Nick Westgerdes, accredited farm manager, licensed real estate broker in Illinois and Wisconsin, and Illinois auctioneer, announced the launch of New Roots Farm Brokerage LLC.

The new firm is dedicated to providing “Client Driven & Farm Focused” expertise in real estate brokerage, auctions, management and consultation services in Illinois and Wisconsin.