Top Mistakes Landowners Make When Selling Their Farmland
Selling farmland is one of the most important financial decisions a landowner can make. Whether you’re retiring, settling an estate, or simply restructuring your portfolio, the stakes are high. Unfortunately, many sellers leave money on the table—or face unnecessary delays—because of avoidable mistakes. At Whitaker Marketing Group, we’ve helped countless landowners navigate the sales process, […]
Estate Planning Tips to Avoid Probate for Farmland Owners
When it comes to farmland and real estate, planning ahead is the best way to protect your legacy and ensure a smooth transition for your family. Unfortunately, one of the biggest hurdles landowners face is probate—the legal process of validating a will and distributing assets. Without proper planning, probate can become lengthy, costly, and emotionally […]
Why More Landowners Are Choosing the Auction Method (and Why Whitaker Marketing Group Does It Best)
When you need to move farmland or rural real estate quickly, confidently, and for true market value, the auction block isn’t a gamble—it’s a strategy. At Whitaker Marketing Group, auctions are our specialty. We’ve honed a process that delivers speed, certainty, and strong results by creating urgency and putting serious buyers head-to-head. Why More Sellers […]
Farm Lease Termination in Iowa: Don’t Miss the September 1st Deadline
Thinking about selling your farmland this fall? Add lease termination to your checklist—because in Iowa, most farm leases automatically renew unless one party serves written notice on or before September 1. Miss that date and you’re likely stuck with the lease (and the tenant) for another crop year. Iowa’s Automatic Renewal Rule—In Plain English Iowa […]
The Big Beautiful Bill: What This Massive Investment Really Means for Agriculture
The buzz around the latest Big Beautiful Bill isn’t just D.C. noise—it’s about the sheer size of the investment and how it reshapes safety nets, crop insurance, and disaster aid. After digging through the details and cross-checking the fine print, here’s what those changes actually mean in the field—for your balance sheet, your lender meetings, […]
Still Up 51.70% in 5 Years: Iowa Farmland Market Update – July 2025
Still Up 51.70% in 5 Years: What Does This Mean for Your Farm? Each year, Iowa farmland owners and investors look to the mid-year benchmark report to answer one question: Where is the market headed? The July 2025 report from Farm Credit Services of America delivers both clarity and opportunity. The Short-Term Dip Let’s start […]
How AI is Transforming the Farming Industry
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing agriculture by introducing advanced technologies that enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. From precision farming to autonomous machinery, AI applications are reshaping how farming is conducted. Precision Agriculture AI-powered precision agriculture helps farmers monitor and manage their crops more efficiently. AI systems use drones, satellites, and sensors to collect real-time data […]
What is a Sealed Bid Auction?
A sealed bid auction allows potential buyers to submit confidential offers without knowing what others have offered. This process motivates each bidder to present their best possible offer based on the property’s value. Many farmland and real estate sales use sealed bids because they combine fairness with efficiency. How Does a Sealed Bid Auction Work? […]
The Power of Networking in the Agriculture Industry
Networking is a vital component of success in the agriculture industry, whether you are a farmer, agribusiness owner, or industry professional. In an ever-evolving landscape, building connections can open doors to new opportunities, innovative practices, and long-term partnerships that benefit all stakeholders. Here’s why cultivating a strong network within the ag community is more important […]
Should you offer farmland to the current tenant?
Top 50 Questions about Farmland This is a nuanced question that involves a mix of family ties, business relationships, and financial goals. Whether to offer your farmland to the current tenant depends on your priorities and desired outcomes. Reasons to Offer the Farm to the Tenant Good Relationships: If the tenant has treated you or […]
