Schrader's annual Farmers Update sessions focus on land values and planning

Over 350 people attended four sessions focused on the leveling of farmland values and tools for planning for the next generation in farm operation and farmland ownership succession.

The messages were communicated to farmland owners at Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company's annual Farmers Update sessions in Ft. Myers, Florida; Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Lafayette, Indiana and Platteville, Wisconsin.

"In the years of holding these briefings, farmers have come to expect and look forward to the information," said RD Schrader, whose company partnered with others, including Discipline Advisors who help families with Trusts, Estate and Wealth Planning services.

Schrader presented a wide array of data on farmland values as related to farm incomes, interest rates, commodity prices, farm industry liquidity and other fundamental financial data. He emphasized that while farmland values have leveled off over the last year after multiple years of considerable appreciation, some additional strength has been seen in farmland values through the winter months.

"While lower farm incomes in 2024 caused a slow down in land value appreciation, some renewed optimism in the ag industry created additional demand for farmland coming into 2025. However, every pocket of the region varies, including based on the supply of land on the market in a given pocket," said Schrader.

Land owners also heard from speakers addressing commodity markets, as well as Joe Michaletz and Mike O'Toole from Discipline Advisors who help land owners develop long term plans, not only with land but also with their family values. The two discussed helping families with planning and knowledgeable execution of the valuable assets tied to a farming operation and farmland ownership.

Over the 15 years of the Farmers Update seminars the attendance has continued to grow. To be contacted when dates are finalized for the winter 2026 seminars, contact Schrader at 800-451-2709 or visit www.schraderauction.com. Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company, based in Columbia City, Indiana, is a national leading auctioneer and broker of farmland, commercial and industrial land, farm equipment and other assets.

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