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Outlook for Land. 2008 ABA National Agricultural Bankers Conference Michael Duffy, Director Iowa State University Beginning Farmer Center November 18, 2008. Outline. Background Current situation Observations Outlook Discussion. Background.
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Outlook for Land 2008 ABA National Agricultural Bankers Conference Michael Duffy, Director Iowa State University Beginning Farmer Center November 18, 2008
Outline • Background • Current situation • Observations • Outlook • Discussion
Background • Land values appear to have reached a plateau; property is not bringing what it might have brought a few months ago • There does not appear to be a drop in actual values • Land values are still at record level • Commodity prices have dropped considerably from their highs this summer • Costs of production are increasing rapidly
Background • Land continues to change from one generation to the next and trend will likely accelerate • Equal division of land assets among family members will increase non-resident owners, cash rent, and may put more land on the market • Trusts are being more widely used • Many of the purchases are equity financed and farmers continue to be major drivers but if incomes drop so will their interest
Observations • Conditions can change very quickly • This ‘boom’ period appears to have ended much sooner than anyone thought • Most people are kind of numb right now; just waiting for the other shoe to drop • Farmers appear to be moving back from purchases and taking a wait and see attitude
Observations • Great deal of uncertainty • Concentration in input industry leads to sticky prices on the down side • Farmers are making decisions to cut costs; Successful Farming survey showed 33% will cutback over 50% and 16% between 26 and 50% • Only 12 percent of the leased land in Iowa uses a flexible lease
Outlook • The economy is the biggest factor to watch • Commodity prices and input costs determine income and income determines land values • Energy prices and the impact will be important
Factors to Watch • Public sentiment including environmental concerns • World situation • Impact on food costs • Energy prices • Farmer profitability; costs, especially seed, fertilizers and rents rapidly increasing • Alternative energy
Outlook • Values will remain relatively flat depending on how deep recession goes • Energy crisis and renewed strength in biofuel efforts will determine strength • Very uncertain