Agricultural land provides food, feed, fiber and fuel. At the same time, much of that land could also support clean electricity by housing utility-scale wind and solar energy installations. This can create conflict between competing land uses.

According to the USDA’s Land Values 2023 Summary, farm real estate value – a measurement of value for all land and buildings on farms – averaged $4,080 per acre in 2023. This was a 7.4% (about $280) increase from 2022.

Shawn and Brandon Hurst, the father-and-son duo behind Hurst Brand Farms in Declo, Idaho, embody a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Rooted in a 90-year history of growing sugarbeets and wheat, their family farm now in its fourth generation and has expanded over the years to include potatoes, corn, alfalfa, pumpkins and sunflowers.

Agricultural leases are an important tool heavily relied on by many farmers and ranchers across the U.S. agricultural industry. Although the parties are free to negotiate a wide variety of terms, agriculture leases should, at minimum, contain the “Four P's”: the parties, property, period and payment.

Cattle grazing may be a good use of cattle grazing land, but it may not be the only good use. Particularly as nationwide climate goals have driven investment throughout the country in clean electric and carbon offset technologies, cattle graziers may find new market opportunities to make mixed use of cattle grazing land.

Most of the time, people say they don’t need anything in writing because it is just a simple deal and done. And maybe that is true. But what if it’s not?

Because solar leases are long-term commitments and dictate the future use of the property, landowners should carefully consider a variety of factors when deciding whether a solar lease is right for them, their family and their land.

Improving land while on a lease can be challenging, but Josh and Tara Morris have a few tips and tricks to share based on their experience. 

It’s one of my favorite Yogi-isms. Paraphrased, it means you’ve got to know your objective before you flip the switch to full steam ahead.