The National Land Podcast: Recent Episodes
National Land Realty
The National Land Podcast is a long form conversation created to inspire, educate, and entertain land enthusiasts, ranch and farm specialists, hunters, land owners, and those looking to buy or sell land.
Clint Flowers has done hundreds of land deals across Alabama. He has never seen anything like what happened in Baldwin County.
The transaction was straightforward on paper: 4,500 acres of former paper company land, largely un-zoned, sold to a buyer who planned to develop it for solar energy supporting a data center. The deal had been public for years, had gone through every established approval process, and was well into contract when a sudden political push attempted to retroactively rezone the property to kill it. Clint, one of the top land agents in the country and an owner at National Land Realty, wrote a widely circulated public piece about it. Not to defend solar. Not to advocate for data centers. To defend the right of a landowner to sell to a willing, legal buyer without having the rules changed underneath him after the fact.
This conversation covers what actually happened, why retroactive zoning is a threat to every landowner regardless of what they plan to do with their property, and how the same precedent could be used against a family farm, a conservation easement, a commercial rezoning, or any other use someone decides to oppose loudly enough. Clint also tells the story of a neighboring landowner who lost millions because residents decided they liked looking at his farmland from their windows.
If you own land anywhere in the country, this episode is about something that could happen to you.
Talk to Clint Flowers
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/clint-flowers
Visit National Land Realty to see our Listings!
https://nationalland.com
Ryan Schroeter has been selling land in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota for nearly 30 years. He estimates that 90 percent of the sellers he talks to are dealing with some version of the same situation: land that is jointly owned, inherited, or headed toward a forced sale because life got in the way. In this conversation, he breaks down everything that can go sideways when multiple people own the same piece of ground, and more importantly, how to keep it from happening.
Ryan covers the difference between joint tenancy and tenants in common, why the latter can quietly multiply your ownership partners over generations without anyone realizing it, and why inherited land is essentially a forced partnership that families never agreed to. He explains why getting a power of attorney before you list is one of the most important things a multi-owner group can do, walks through a real transaction that required 16 signatures at every decision point, and lays out the tax tools available when a sale finally happens, including step-up in basis, 1031 exchanges, and Delaware Statutory Trusts.
His closing advice is short: get a plan, get it in writing, and remember that it is always easier to divide up money than it is to divide up acres.
Talk to Ryan Schroeter!
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/ryan-schroeter
Visit National Land Realty to see our Listings!
https://www.nationalland.com
If you own land, chances are you have gotten the letter. Someone you have never heard of wants to buy your property, close fast, pay cash, and make it easy. Pat Snyder, managing broker for National Land Realty in western North Carolina, gets about one call a week from landowners trying to figure out whether that letter is legitimate, a lowball, or something to ignore entirely.
In this conversation, Pat breaks down exactly who is sending these letters, how the wholesaler business model works, and why the offers almost always come in 30 to 50 percent below what a property would actually sell for on the open market. He covers the difference between a licensed broker reaching out on behalf of a buyer and a shell company running a mass letter campaign, how to look up who sent the letter and what red flags to watch for, why expiration dates on offers are a pressure tactic and not a real deadline, and what to do before you respond to anything. He also walks through a real example where a woman in his area nearly accepted a wholesaler offer that was $80,000 below what she ultimately netted by listing the property instead.
If you have ever gotten one of these letters, or own land you might eventually sell, this is the conversation to have before you make any decisions.
Talk with Pat Snyder!
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/pat-snyder
Visit National Land Realty to see our Listings!
https://nationalland.com
Matthew Symonds grew up on a ranch in western Nebraska, started training barrel horses right out of high school, and recently added a real estate license to the list. He is new to land sales and not pretending otherwise. What he brings instead is a lifetime of working with horses, reading animals, and figuring out when to push and when to walk away, instincts that translate to land work in ways that are hard to manufacture.
This conversation covers what it actually takes to train a barrel horse from scratch, why mental drive matters more than raw athletic ability, how the first horse you train teaches you things you carry for the rest of your career, and why putting a bigger bit on a hurting horse is the worst advice in the business. It also goes somewhere more serious. Western Nebraska is deep in drought right now. Hay hit $300 a ton. Farmers are being limited to 15 to 20 days of irrigation water. People who have never considered selling are being forced to make decisions about land that has been in their families for a hundred years. Matthew knows these people. He grew up with them. And he is watching it happen in real time.
For anyone in western Nebraska navigating a drought-driven land decision, or anyone who just wants to hear a young horse trainer talk honestly about mastering a craft, this one is worth your time.
Talk with Matthew Symonds
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/matthew-symonds
Visit National Land Realty and View Our Listings
https://www.nationalland.com
The Delmarva Peninsula sits between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, two hours from Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC, and it is one of the last relatively undeveloped stretches of the entire eastern megalopolis. It is also the third most vulnerable spot in the country to sea level rise. That combination makes it one of the most interesting places in America to talk about land conservation.
National Land Realty agent Sue Hudson and Matthew Heim of the Lower Shore Land Trust join this episode to break down how conservation easements actually work, what they do and do not restrict, and why the reputation they have for locking land away and killing its value is mostly wrong. Matthew explains how his organization has protected 25,000 acres across three Maryland counties, how payments to landowners can run several thousand dollars per acre, and why many easement holders immediately reinvest that capital back into their farming operations.
The conversation also goes deep on what is actually happening to this landscape, saltwater intrusion drawing visible lines through crop fields, ghost forests appearing where coastal marshes are advancing inland, and a sinking tectonic plate compounding everything. For landowners on the Eastern Shore and anywhere else facing development pressure, water impact or generational transition questions, this episode is a ground-level look at what conservation tools are actually available and how to find them.
Lower Shore Land Trust
https://www.lowershorelandtrust.org/
Talk with Sue Hudson
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/sue-hudson
Visit National Land Realty to see our Listings!
https://nationalland.com/
There are roughly 1.6 million licensed real estate agents in the United States. Only 749 of them hold the Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designation. That gap is the whole conversation.
RLI CEO Aubrie Kobernus and two-time past president Jeramy Stephens join Mac Christian for a full breakdown of what the REALTORS® Land Institute is, what it is not, and why it matters to anyone buying, selling or brokering land. They cover the 80-year history of the organization, the difference between holding a real estate license and being a Realtor, and why land transactions are complex enough that the wrong agent can cost a client tens of thousands of dollars before anyone realizes it.
On the agent side, they walk through the full path from RLI membership to the ALC designation, what the courses actually cover, and why RLI members averaged $36 million in annual sales compared to $16 million for non-members in 2025. On the consumer side, they explain exactly how to find a land specialist in any state in the country and why AI is already sending people directly to the ALC search tool when they ask what to do with inherited land.
Whether you are a land agent wondering if the designation is worth it or a landowner trying to figure out who to trust with your most valuable asset, this episode answers both questions.
Check out RLI
https://www.rliland.com/
Visit National Land Realty to see our listings!
https://www.nationalland.com
Join National Land Realty as an Agent/Broker
https://www.nationalland.com/careers
Forty percent of the land in this country is expected to change hands by 2035. Most of the people holding it have no idea how much of that wealth they are about to hand to the IRS.
Joe Michaletz and Mike O'Toole, CEO and principal at Discipline Advisors, have spent decades helping farmers, ranchers and land owners exit their real estate in the most tax-efficient way possible. In this conversation they break down the full toolkit, starting with 1031 exchanges and the most common mistakes people make going into them, including the debt replacement test that catches landowners off guard more than almost anything else. They walk through Delaware Statutory Trusts in real depth, how they differ from REITs, why diversification inside a DST portfolio matters as much as it does anywhere else, and what the 721 UPREIT path actually means and when it is and is not a good idea.
The conversation also covers charitable remainder unitrusts, a tax elimination strategy for farm equipment, livestock and grain that most landowners have never heard of, and how one dairy farmer moved 6.5 million dollars of cattle and equipment into a CRUT, sold it with zero tax, and funded a lifetime income stream in the process.
For anyone aging out of land ownership, planning a farm transition, or sitting on decades of appreciation with no exit plan, this episode is the conversation to have before you sign anything.
Visit Discipline Advisors!
https://www.disciplineadvisors.com/
Visit National Land Realty to see our listings!
https://www.nationalland.com
Every quarter, Jackson Takach sees what most people in agriculture do not. As Chief Economist and Vice President of Farm and Ranch at Farmer Mac, the secondary market that quietly powers ag lending across the country, he watches credit demand, land transactions, farm bankruptcies, and commodity market signals from a vantage point very few people have access to. This conversation is his Q2 2026 read on all of it.
Jackson covers why the number one buyer of farmland is still the farmer next door, why all-cash land purchases have given way to more mortgage activity, and what the transition from Powell to Worsh at the Fed could mean for long-term borrowing costs. He breaks down the Strait of Hormuz situation and how a single blocked shipping lane sends diesel prices, nitrogen fertilizer costs and grocery bills climbing in slow motion across the entire US economy. He also addresses the rise in farm bankruptcies, where the stress is concentrated and why the headline numbers are less alarming than they appear, and gives his honest outlook on whether 2026 shapes up as a break-even year or something worse for row crop producers.
For anyone with money in land, a loan tied to agriculture, or a farm operation to run through the rest of this year, this is the overhead view you need.
Read The Feed
https://www.farmermac.com/news-events/the-feed/
Visit National Land Realty to see our listings!
https://www.nationalland.com
National Land Realty just restructured the way agents and brokers earn with 80%, 70%, and 60% plans, but the headline is not just about the splits. Starting April 2026, NLR introduced these commission plans. Agents have the ability to choose the structure that fits where they are in their career, whether that is a new agent finding their footing or a seasoned producer ready to cap out at 100%.
In this conversation, EVP of Sales Logan Eaton walks through how all three plans work, how to honestly evaluate which one is right for you, and why the split is only part of the story. Other brokerages offer 80%. What they do not offer is what NLR wraps around it. A full in-house marketing team, compliance and fraud protection on every transaction, cybersecurity coverage, bulk-negotiated access to platforms like Acres Enterprise and Land.com, proprietary tools like Land Tour 360, direct mail data and design, social media support, and back-office infrastructure that would cost a solo agent tens of thousands of dollars a year to replicate on their own.
The plan gives you options. The support gives those options real weight.
Talk to National Land Realty about new commission plans (all conversations are confidential).
https://nationalland.com/careers-form?cta=hero
Find out more about National Land Realty careers.
https://nationalland.com/careers
Visit National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Most private forest land owners have no idea what tools are available to them, and that gap is costing them money while their forests quietly degrade. Andy Tait, co-founder of EcoForesters, a nonprofit professional forestry organization based in western North Carolina, breaks down a practical framework for private land owners who want to manage their forests well without having to choose between conservation and financial sustainability.
The centerpiece of this conversation is the Present Use Value program, a tax incentive that can reduce property tax assessments by as much as 96% for land owners who commit to keeping their forest in active management. Andy covers who qualifies, how the program transfers when land sells, and why it can actually make a property easier to market to buyers. He also walks through the EQIP federal cost share program, carbon sequestration markets as an income stream for land owners who never want to harvest timber, and why doing nothing with your forest is often the worst management decision you can make.
For land owners in the southern Appalachians and across the eastern US, this episode is a practical starting point for understanding what your forest is worth, what threats it faces, and what it could become with the right management behind it.
Contact EcoForesters!
https://www.ecoforesters.org/
Visit National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Mark Peterson grew up on a fifth-generation fruit farm in Michigan, managed five processing facilities and a thousand employees by age 22, and then walked away from all of it to chase pheasants. What followed was one of the more unlikely success stories in the outdoor industry. In this conversation, Mark traces his path from farm kid to acquiring Cabela's Outdoor Adventure and Tag Service to building Worldwide Trophy Adventures into the largest hunting booking agency in the world, with outfitters in every corner of the globe and owned operations across Canada, Colorado, Kentucky and Mexico.
But the conversation goes well beyond booking hunts. Mark talks about why private landowners are among the most underappreciated conservation partners in North America, how upland bird habitat is the first thing lost when land use changes, and what it actually takes to build a long-term lease relationship with a landowner that works for both sides. He also covers where the hunting industry is headed over the next five years, why access is tightening and costs are climbing, and what COVID quietly did to hunting participation numbers that nobody is talking about.
For landowners who lease hunting rights, land agents who work with recreational properties, and anyone who has ever thought about turning their land into a hunting destination, this one covers the full picture.
Mark V Peterson's Media
https://markvpeterson.com/
Worldwide Trophy Adventures (Go on a hunting trip!)
https://worldwidetrophyadventures.com/
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Farmland as an Investment Asset: A Conversation with Chris Rawley, Founder of Harvest Returns
Most people who want exposure to farmland think they have two options: buy it outright or stay out. Chris Rawley built a third option. As founder and CEO of Harvest Returns, a platform with over 12,000 investors, he has spent a decade matching private capital with farming operations across row crops, grazing land, permanent crops and more. In this conversation, Chris breaks down why institutional investors have allocated to farmland for decades, what non-correlation with the stock market actually means for a portfolio, and why cash flow plus scarcity makes agricultural land one of the more durable long-term holds available to private investors.
He also goes places most guests do not. He covers the MaHA movement's potential downstream effects on conventional agriculture, why the ethanol mandate quietly underpins 40% of America's corn market, how global soybean production in Brazil is quietly pressuring Midwest row crop economics, and why the most dangerous Black Swan for farmland values is not tariffs but the long-term fate of federal subsidies.
For new investors, young farmers who cannot clear the entry barrier, and portfolio diversifiers looking to move money off Wall Street, this episode lays out how private agricultural investment actually works and what the next three years look like from someone watching it from the capital side.
Harvest Returns
https://www.harvestreturns.com/
Visit National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
The biggest financial event in a farm family's life is often the one they are least prepared for. Mark Balzarini, an estate planning attorney with Helmuth and Johnson in the Twin Cities, has been working on farm succession plans since 2008 and breaks down the tools families need to understand before land changes hands.
The centerpiece of this conversation is Tax Code 1062, a provision introduced through the One Big Beautiful Bill that allows farmland owners to defer capital gains taxes over four years rather than paying the full hit at the time of sale. Mark explains who qualifies, what the 10-year agricultural use covenant means for buyers, how it compares to a 1031 exchange and Delaware Statutory Trust, and where the IRS is still building the rules as the statute gets implemented.
He also covers the fundamentals of stepped-up basis, contract for deed as a tax mitigation strategy, how LLCs and partnerships interact with succession planning, and why starting a transition plan five to six years early can be the difference between a clean handoff and a painful tax problem. For farm families with farming and non-farming heirs, his advice on keeping things equitable rather than just equal is worth the listen alone.
Helmuth & Johnson
https://hjlawfirm.com/
Visit National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Someone could list your land for sale today, find a buyer, close the deal, and pocket the money. You would not know it happened until it was too late to stop it. This is not hypothetical. It is happening right now across the country, and vacant land owned free and clear by out-of-state or absentee owners is the number one target.
In this conversation, National Land Realty broker Ryan Schroeder out of Nebraska, compliance director Jeramy Stephens out of Arkansas, and COO Susan Floyd out of South Carolina pull back the curtain on every major fraud scheme hitting the land industry today. They break down seller impersonation, where scammers mine public records to steal a landowner's identity and list property they have never set foot on. They cover wire fraud and how a single intercepted email has cost buyers and sellers everything at closing. They walk through forged quitclaim deeds, contract flipping, and the fake earnest money check scheme that catches agents off guard more than people realize.
More importantly, they tell you exactly what to do about it. From free government monitoring tools like propertyfraudalert.com to why putting land in an LLC adds a layer of protection most owners never consider, this episode is a practical checklist for inherited landowners, rural investors, real estate agents and anyone sitting on property they do not visit regularly.
If you own land and nobody is watching it, this one is for you.
Visit National Land Realty to contact an agent or view our inventory
https://www.nationalland.com
Fraud Resources:
Forewarn
https://www.forewarn.com/
TrueCaller
https://www.truecaller.com/
True People Search
https://www.truepeoplesearch.com/
Property Fraud Alert
https://www.propertyfraudalert.com
Home Title Lock
https://www.hometitlelock.com/
Register of Deeds office (Local Resource)
Understanding Timber and Timberland Investment with John Ross Havard
Most people who own timber have no idea what it is actually worth or what it takes to harvest it. John Ross Havard, a consulting forester and land agent based in Alabama with National Land Realty, breaks down the realities of owning timberland for private landowners who make up roughly half of all timberland ownership in the country. John covers why small-acreage timber is harder to monetize than most people assume, what the minimum acreage and access requirements look like before a harvest makes financial sense, how thinning cycles work for planted pine, and why clearcuts get a bad reputation they do not always deserve. He also explains the difference between TIMOs and REITs for investors who want timber exposure without owning land outright, and why the best buys right now are properties priced as pure timberland with untapped recreational potential.
Talk with John Ross Havard
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/john-ross-havard
Visit National Land Realty to see our listings
https://www.nationalland.com
2026 Land Market Outlook with Jeramy Stephens, National Land Realty
Few people in the land industry see more deals in a year than Jeramy Stephens. As compliance director at National Land Realty, he has eyes on roughly 1,700 to 2,000 transactions annually across Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Ohio. In this conversation, Jeramy breaks down what the land market actually looks like heading into 2026, from the squeeze tariffs and rising input costs are putting on Arkansas rice and cotton farmers, to the correction happening in rural mountain properties bought at inflated COVID-era prices. He covers why premium farmland and high-quality duck hunting ground remain surprisingly strong, how the generational transfer of wealth is quietly fueling land purchases, and why the land market is always the last asset class to move when broader economic uncertainty hits.
Talk to Jeramy Stephens
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/jeramy-stephens
Visit National Land Realty to see our listings
https://www.nationalland.com
California's agricultural land market is unlike anywhere else in the country, and right now it's navigating two forces at once: collapsing commodity prices for specialty crops like almonds and pistachios, and sweeping groundwater pumping restrictions that are rewriting land values from the ground up. Brian Neufeld, a land agent based in California's Central Valley with licenses across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, breaks down what those forces mean for buyers and sellers heading into 2026. He covers how water supply has become the first question every buyer asks, why some properties have sat unsold while sellers wait for a market that may not return, and where hidden value exists in so-called "white land" areas with restricted water delivery. For investors willing to do the underwriting work, Brian sees opportunity in a market that is painful today but structurally limited in supply long term.
Talk to Brian Neufeld
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/brian-neufeld
Visit National Land Realty to see our listings
https://www.nationalland.com
What does the agricultural land market really look like heading into 2026? Shannon Schlachter, a land agent based in Holyoke, Colorado, just 14 miles from the Nebraska border, breaks down current conditions across northeastern Colorado and western Nebraska. Shannon covers why dry land acre prices have softened from $2,200 toward the $1,950 to $2,000 range, how high input costs, 9% operating note interest rates, and drought conditions are creating widespread buyer hesitation, and why FSA relief payments could be the catalyst that jumpstarts activity in Q2. She also outlines three distinct seller profiles emerging in this market and explains why, for patient investors, this valley in land values may represent a genuine buying opportunity before appreciation returns.
Talk to Shannon!
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/shannon-schlachter
Visit National Land Realty to see out Land for Sale
https://www.nationalland.com
Oklahoma land broker Dillon Smith returns to The National Land Podcast for a boots-on-the-ground update on the western Oklahoma land market — and delivers the kind of straight talk that only comes from an agent who's actually closing deals. Based in Kingfisher, Dillon breaks down exactly what's moving and what's sitting: cattle pasture is gaining value on the back of a red-hot beef market, wheat ground is softening as input costs outpace grain prices, and recreational hunting land is holding steady for the right tracts in the right spots.
The central theme of this episode is pricing discipline. Dillon explains why overpriced listings are stalling out across the board, how he handles the hard conversation with sellers who bought at peak prices and now expect peak returns, and why he believes western Oklahoma has shifted into a buyer's market — where pricing correctly isn't optional, it's the whole ballgame. He also digs into highest-and-best-use analysis, water access as a rising factor in land value near Oklahoma City's suburbs, and the land improvements (ponds, fences, access roads) that are actually moving the needle for sellers.
Whether you're buying, selling, or holding farmland, ranch ground, or hunting property in Oklahoma or anywhere in the rural Midwest, Dillon's practical advice on market timing, seller expectations, and broker pricing opinions is the kind of insight that helps you make better land decisions.
Talk to Dillon Smith
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/dillon-smith
Visit National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Farmer Mac’s Jackson Takach returns with a title update and a clear read on the new USDA outlook. He unpacks why USDA revised 2025 net cash farm income down by about 30 billion dollars, then sets 2026 at 158 billion dollars with roughly 44 billion dollars of support payments, about 30 percent of profits. Inputs are still high for grains and oilseeds, while protein sectors benefit from cheaper feed and steady demand. Land values look similar to 2025 with strength in cattle and recreational areas, caution in the Delta, and water-sensitive pockets out West. Jackson closes with rate risk, fertilizer and trade wildcards, and a simple plan for producers to time operating, intermediate, and long-term debt.
Farmer Mac
https://www.farmermac.com/
The Feed
https://www.farmermac.com/news-events/the-feed/
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
- USDA pegs 2026 net cash farm income at about 158 billion dollars after marking 2025 down by roughly 30 billion, with about 44 billion coming from support programs.
- Grains and oilseeds face tight margins from high inputs and softer prices, while cattle, hogs, and poultry see better profitability on lower feed costs and solid demand.
- Farmland outlook echoes 2025: firmer in cattle and recreation zones and near metros, softer pressure in the Delta across soybeans, cotton, and rice, and localized water risks in the West.
- Financial health remains okay at the sector level with lower debt-to-asset ratios and easing short-term interest expense, though planning matters.
- Key swing factors for 2026 include fertilizer supply, trade flows, drought, and biofuels demand; producers should set a written plan for operating, intermediate, and long-term debt.
- Farmer Mac updates: earnings call on February 19, quarterly webinars, The Feed, and a Farmland Price Index based on actual trades coming soon.
Morse Nursery’s Tim Mills and National Land Realty agent Jacob Jenkins explain how to “row crop” hardwoods with proven genetics, tree tubes, and tight management to create reliable timber and wildlife results. From West Lafayette, Indiana, Morse grows grafted fruit and nut trees and supplies Tree Pro tubes that speed straight, tall growth. They cover black walnut and white oak veneer genetics, blight-resistant American hybrid chestnuts that bear in 3 to 5 years, planting densities of 100 to 125 trees per acre on 20-foot centers, and why weed control and pruning discipline make or break a planting. For hunters, they map staggered drop times across apples, persimmons, and chestnuts to hold deer after surrounding crops are harvested. For investors, Tim outlines chestnut orchard math at maturity around year 15, with 2,000 to 3,000 pounds per acre and common wholesale pricing near 4 dollars per pound, while guiding to a conservative target near 6,000 dollars per acre.
Morse Nursery:
https://morsenursery.com/
Talk with Jacob Jenkins:
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/jacob-jenkins
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Forester and timber consultant Kraig Moore (KY/TN) breaks down the 2025 hardwood landscape: prices up roughly 3% YoY overall (net flat after inflation), sharp species splits (yellow-poplar +~20%, sugar maple +20–30%, white oak −~11% YoY but +~52% over 5 years; walnut +~85% over 5 years), and fragile mill capacity after 100+ sawmill closures in two years. He explains how tariffs, China’s historic pull for ~40% of U.S. lumber, and production shifting to Vietnam (labor ~⅓ cheaper than China) are reshaping demand. For landowners, the play is smart silviculture, competition-driven quality, patch clear-cuts/group selection, avoiding diameter-limit cuts, and aligning to mills within ~60–90 miles, to grow value and keep white oak (bourbon barrel essential) regenerating amid maple/beech pressure. Kentucky is ~50% forested, and with interest rates easing and housing starts improving, Kraig is cautiously bullish on hardwoods as a diversification pillar.
Episode takeaways:
- Market snapshot: Hardwood prices ~+3% YoY overall (inflation-adjusted ≈ flat), with big winners (yellow-poplar, sugar maple) and laggards (hickory; white oak down YoY but strong 5-yr trend; walnut dominant long-term).
- Capacity risk: 100+ sawmills gone in two years; if demand pops, supply could choke, pushing prices up fast.
- Trade shift: China historically bought ~40% of U.S. lumber/logs; tariffs drove processing to Vietnam (labor ~⅓ cheaper than China), altering log vs. lumber economics.
- Profit strategy for landowners: Manage for competition (natural pruning/straightness), use patch clear-cuts/group selection, avoid diameter-limit cuts, and time sales to species cycles.
- Operational realities: Best ROI when mills are within ~60–90 miles; steep terrain or helicopter logging crush margins.
- White oak future: Main challenge is regeneration, not overharvest, control shade-tolerant maple/beech, open canopy on the right aspects, and keep foresters involved.
Talk to Kraig Moore:
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/kraig-moore
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
University of Georgia’s David Dickens and National Land Realty forester-agent Steve Chapman break down how pine straw turns timberland into a cash-flowing asset before the first thinning. For longleaf stands, raking can often start around age 12–15 and run 5–10 seasons, commonly paying about $150–$250 per acre on cutover sites and $250–$400 per acre on old-field sites, with first-year old-field rakes sometimes higher. At 100 acres and $300 per acre, that is roughly $30,000 a year and up to $300,000 before a first cut. They cover species fit (longleaf leads, slash limited, loblolly has no straw value), contract traps to avoid, CRP limits, and how herbicide, spacing, and canopy closure drive straw yield.
Episode takeaways:
- Longleaf pine is the primary straw species; raking usually begins at age 12–15 once canopy closure suppresses understory, then repeats annually for 5–10 years.
- Typical annual payments: about $150–$250 per acre on cutover sites and $250–$400 per acre on old-field sites; an example 100-acre tract at $300 per acre yields about $30,000 per year pre-thinning.
- Sell straw by the acre, not by the bale; define terms if you must do bale pricing and expect year-to-year yield swings.
- Manage for clean floors and tree health: foliar-only herbicide every few years, avoid excessive raking in arid areas, watch nutrient export and moisture loss that can invite beetles on marginal sands.
- Thinning resets raking in Georgia; most contractors prefer thinned stands, so plan to harvest straw before the first thinning window.
- CRP wildlife contracts generally prohibit raking during the term; prescribed fire is fine but schedule it 2–3 years ahead of the first rake.
Dr. David Dickens
https://warnell.uga.edu/directory/people/dr-david-dickens
Talk to Steve Chapman about your land!
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/steve-chapman
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Jesse Allen, vice president of National A Content at Farm and Ranch Media, joins to talk about the real state of U.S. agriculture and ag media. He hosts Agriculture of America on roughly 60 stations and SiriusXM 147, plus Market Talk and the American Ag Network. We cover sub $4 corn, $9 soybeans, record beef prices alongside the lowest U.S. cattle inventory in 60 years, and the squeeze producers feel heading into 2026. The conversation also digs into mental health in rural communities, the rise of spray drones and autonomy, and why crops like canola and camelina are gaining attention for sustainable aviation fuel.
Episode takeaways:
- Grain margins are tight with sub $4 corn and $9 soybeans while input costs remain elevated.
- Cattle prices are high while national herd size is at a 60 year low, drawing policy attention.
- Mental health deserves proactive check ins across farms, families, and rural teams.
- Drones, see and spray systems, and autonomy can fill labor gaps and improve precision, with payload limits still a constraint.
- Interest is growing in canola, camelina, and sorghum as diversification plays, including ties to sustainable aviation fuel.
- Barriers to entry are rising as equipment and land costs climb, making creative financing and succession planning more important.
Farm and Ranch Media Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/farmranchmedia
Agriculture of America
https://www.agricultureofamerica.com
Market Talk
https://www.markettalkag.com
American Ag Network
https://www.americanagnetwork.com
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Gabe Goodson, a National Land Realty agent in Alabama, breaks down exactly how to design, build, and manage small duck impoundments that actually hold birds. We cover ideal water body size (start around 2 acres), target depths (12–16"), clay-based soils (plus when bentonite makes sense), drawdown timing, pump/ice strategies, and moist-soil management that feeds ducks all season. Gabe also outlines realistic acreage needs (often 10–15 acres to support ~2 acres of water), common permitting paths (NRCS, local water-rights holders), and current land costs in his part of Alabama ($8k–$11k/acre) to help buyers budget the full project, not just the dirt. If you’re a landowner, buyer, or waterfowl hunter looking to add dependable duck habitat, this is a step-by-step playbook from soil test to first flights.
Episode takeaways:
- Start with soils & water: Target clay subsoil to hold water; avoid sand. Bentonite is a Plan B, not the plan.
- Right-sized water: About 2 acres of water at 12–16 inches depth shows well from the air and is ideal for dabblers.
- Acreage math: Plan on 10–15 total acres to comfortably support a ~2-acre impoundment and buffers/blinds.
- Moist-soil > monoculture: Staggered drawdowns (e.g., pull boards every couple weeks) promote diverse natural feed; rotate light disking every ~3 years.
- Plant strategy: Use natural seedbank where possible; supplement with Japanese/browntop millet when needed. Don’t mirror neighbors, be different if they all flood corn.
- Budget with eyes open: In Gabe’s market, raw land often runs $8k–$11k/acre; clay on-site saves real money on levees and sealing.
- Permits & neighbors: Start with NRCS and local water-rights owners; place blinds/shot angles to avoid 6:15 a.m. neighbor conflicts.
- Timeline: A well-planned impoundment can be built over one summer if the site is dry enough for dirt work.
- Common failure: Skipping soil tests and design, then discovering the “pond” won’t hold water.
Contact Gabe Goodson
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/gabe-goodson
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Foreign ownership of U.S. farmland is a political lightning rod, but economist Danny Munch from the American Farm Bureau Federation walks through what the data actually says. Using USDA’s AFIDA reports, he explains that only about 3.61% of privately held U.S. ag land (roughly 48–49 million acres) is foreign-owned, and more than 60% of that is held by allies like Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, the U.K., and Germany. Much of the recent growth is tied to renewable energy leases and timber, not foreign governments trying to control food production. China, despite endless headlines, is associated with roughly 277,000 acres—about the size of one average Ohio county—while individual billionaires like Bill Gates own similar amounts and are arguably more influential through narrative and advocacy than acreage. The episode also digs into data gaps, shell companies, national security reviews, and why Farm Bureau members are just as worried about preserving private property rights as they are about foreign flags on land titles.
Episode takeaways:
- Foreign investors own about 3.61% of privately held U.S. agricultural land (≈48.8 million acres), and over 99% of all U.S. land is either U.S.-owned or held by countries generally considered allies.
- Canada alone holds about 15.35 million acres—more than a third of all foreign-owned U.S. ag land—followed by European players like the Netherlands and Italy, with large positions in timber and renewable energy, not row-crop land grabs.
- The big run-up in foreign-owned acres since 2010 is driven heavily by wind and solar leases plus timber, not foreign control of food production; roughly half of foreign-held ag land is forest land.
- China’s ownership, after USDA data corrections, is roughly 277,000 acres, about half of which came through acquisition of a U.S. pork company and another big chunk from a now-blocked Texas renewable project—politically noisy, but tiny in acreage and not a serious land-based strategy for national security.
- AFIDA data is the best tool we have, but it’s messy: weak enforcement, paper forms, limited staffing, and only tracing ownership three tiers deep mean shell structures and Cayman Islands registrations can obscure the “warm bodies” behind some acres.
- Farm Bureau members are increasingly uneasy about private mega-owners and narrative power (think billionaires and foundations) and about bad laws passed for headlines, not solutions—especially when those laws threaten core private property rights and ignore existing tools like CFIUS, which already reviews and can block risky foreign transactions.
American Farm Bureau Federation
https://www.fb.org/
Foreign Investment in U.S. Ag Land – The Latest Numbers
https://www.fb.org/market-intel/foreign-investment-in-u-s-ag-land-the-latest-numbers
How it Works — Understanding the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States
https://www.fb.org/market-intel/how-it-works-understanding-the-committee-on-foreign-investment-in-the-united-states
Foreign Footprints: Trends in U.S. Agricultural Land Ownership
https://www.fb.org/market-intel/foreign-footprints-trends-in-u-s-agricultural-land-ownership
National Land Realty - Buy, Sell, Lease, or Auction Land
https://www.nationalland.com
The National Land Podcast sits down with journalist Chris Keyes—former Editor-in-Chief of Outside Magazine and founder of Republic, a new nonprofit newsroom dedicated to America’s public lands. We unpack why the outdoor recreation economy ($1.2–$1.3T) depends on access, how public-lands realities differ East vs. West, and what’s really at stake in debates over federal-to-state land transfers vs. outright sales. We examine recent proposals to open public land for housing, the role of BLM multi-use mandates (recreation, grazing, extraction), and why the recreation economy needs a louder seat at the table. Chris breaks down wilderness area rules, wildfire policy (staffing cuts, prescribed fire, and a push to unify wildland firefighting), and the ripple effects on gateway towns, ranching (millions of cattle on BLM allotments), outfitters, and everyday hunters and anglers. We also touch sustainable timber practices, old-growth forests, and the lived reality of Western access—dispersed camping, trail use, and why once access is lost, it rarely returns. If you own land, want to buy land, or just love being on it, this conversation delivers clear, nonpartisan insight into how policy choices impact recreation, agriculture, and rural economies. Learn more or support Republic at republic.land.
Episode takeaways:
- What Republic is and why a public-lands newsroom matters
- East vs. West access dynamics and why they shape policy debates
- Recreation’s economic weight vs. extraction and grazing interests
- Wildfire staffing, coordination, and forest management realities
- Practical implications for landowners, buyers, and outdoor users
RE:PUBLIC
https://www.republic.land/
Donate to RE:PUBLIC
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Soybeans are all over the headlines right now but you might not realize they drive American ag—and North Carolina is a prime case study. Charles Hall, Executive Director of the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association, returns to break down what’s actually moving the market this year: tight farm margins, a potential price rally that hasn’t materialized, and a flood of supply with limited in-state storage. We cover why 75% of NC beans are rated good-to-excellent yet profitability remains elusive, how a 1.6M-acre crop meets constrained crush capacity after an ADM plant closure, and why six-hour delivery lines are more than an inconvenience—they’re a cost center.
Hall explains China’s stop-start purchases, Brazil’s rapid expansion (and quality trade-offs), and how shifting tariffs hit farmers twice—at the elevator and on input invoices. We dig into weed resistance, the dicamba drift debate, and why new chemistries take ~20 years to clear regulation. On the opportunity side: renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel are reshaping crush margins by pulling harder on oil than meal. We also hit risk management wins (higher reference prices, improved crop insurance) and why the farm “safety net” still hangs inches above concrete.
If you own rural land, lease ground, or care about U.S. food and fuel security, this episode lays out the stakes—straight.
Key Takeaways* Margins are thin: Inputs up, prices not keeping pace; profitability remains “right on the bubble.” * Big crop, tight logistics: ~1.6M acres in NC; ~75% rated good/excellent; limited storage and recent crush capacity loss create delivery bottlenecks. * China & tariffs: New-crop U.S. purchases lag; tariff volatility depresses demand and raises input costs (equipment, herbicides, nutrients). * Brazil vs. U.S.: Brazil gained China share post-2018; quality/logistics trade-offs vs. NC’s local hog & poultry demand. * Weed resistance is constant: Fewer approved chemistries, dicamba drift concerns; regulatory timelines are long. * Energy demand shift: Renewable diesel/SAF increasingly drive crush margins via soy oil, not just meal. * Risk management: Higher soy reference prices and crop insurance tweaks help, but the “safety net” is still low.
North Carolina Soybean Producers Association
https://ncsoy.org/
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Wayne Cawley turned a neglected high‑density apple orchard into Redemption Farms—a thriving U‑pick and farm‑stand business—by grafting apple varieties, adding strawberries, peaches, pumpkins, and using social media to mobilize customers.
With Sue Hudson (NLR), we dig into financing, location strategy, strawberries, and what it actually takes to make a small farm cash‑flow.
Recorded in Maryland’s Eastern Shore farm country, this episode is a practical blueprint for building a direct‑to‑consumer U‑pick farm—from acquisition and financing to crop selection, infrastructure, and marketing.
Guest: Wayne Cawley, owner of Redemption Farms (Denton, MD)—a 38‑acre, two‑parcel farm split by a major highway—revived an abandoned high‑density apple orchard and layered in strawberries (annual plasticulture), peaches, cherries, plums, blackberries, and a pumpkin patch to give customers something to pick from late April through early November.
Guest: Sue Hudson, National Land Realty agent (Maryland), represented Wayne as buyer and breaks down the site selection + permitting pitfalls that make or break roadside agribusinesses.
Redemption Farms (Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/redemptionfarmsmd/
Redemption Farms (Website)
https://www.redemptionfarms.com/
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
The Midwest row‑crop math is ugly: cash prices are ~$4 corn and ~$10 soybeans against break‑evens near $4.50 (corn) and $11.50 (soybeans). University of Illinois agricultural economist Dr. Gary Schnitkey breaks down what’s driving it and what landowners, operators, and lenders should expect.
What we cover
- Tariffs & trade: No Chinese soybean bookings so far this season; China is favoring Brazil—and financing its export infrastructure. Result: lower U.S. prices now and a tougher long‑run soybean outlook.
- Cost structure: Seed/fertilizer stayed high; machinery costs jumped ~25% (2021–2023). Million‑dollar combines and pricier parts make scale (or equipment sharing) more critical.
- Break‑even reality: ~$4.50 corn / ~$11.50 soybeans vs. ~$4/$10 cash—why margins are negative without aid.
- Government payments: 2024 ad‑hoc aid (~$10B nationally; ~$37/acre in IL) kept incomes from going red; 2025 budgets assume ~$65/acre commodity title payments plus another ECAP‑style package. Policy support is holding up cash rents and land values.
- Farmland values & rents: Off the peak and largely flat. If payments fade, expect downward pressure; a gradual ~20% decline over time isn’t off the table if current conditions persist.
- Crop switching & regen: Few viable pivots in the Corn/Soy Belt. Lower prices slow regenerative adoption (transition takes time and can ding yield early). Great Plains likely adjust first.
- Livestock: Bright spot—cattle margins remain strong.
- Outlook: Barring a major shock (e.g., Brazil/US drought), expect $4 corn / $10 soybeans to stick. In the meantime, the sector is effectively “going to Washington.”
Guest: Dr. Gary Schnitkey, Professor of Agricultural & Consumer Economics, University of Illinois; works with FBFM (Farm Business Farm Management) and Precision Conservation Management (PCM) datasets.
Read about Dr. Gary Schnitkey
https://asc.illinois.edu/directory/gary-schnitkey/
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Policy is slamming the countryside. Chris Clayton (DTN/Progressive Farmer) explains how tariffs, China’s pivot to Brazilian soybeans, and a USDA shutdown are colliding with harvest to pressure basis, storage, and cash flow—and to derail rural land sales. We dig into why China (historically 25–33% of U.S. soybean demand) is buying from Brazil (COFCO/ports, crush), how that drives basis widening and elevator capacity issues, and what could actually move the needle: biofuels (biodiesel/renewable diesel, ethanol, SAF). We also lay out shutdown fallout—FSA farm ownership/operating loans stalled, CRP payments paused, NRCS (EQIP/CSP) frozen—plus the limited upside from CCC/ECAP‑style aid. If you buy/sell rural land or advise landowners, this is the unvarnished read on farmland values, buyer pools, and the next 3–6 months.
Why It Matters* Deals slip/die: FSA loans are stopped, shrinking the buyer pool just as post‑harvest listings hit. * Cash crunch: Basis widening + storage pressure at harvest reduce liquidity for down payments and improvements. * Programs on ice: CRP checks delayed; NRCS projects paused—affecting valuations and conservation‑driven marketing. * Demand hinges on policy: RFS, biodiesel/renewable diesel, and SAF tax credits will decide soy oil crush, corn demand, and rents. * Strategy reality: Diversified ops with cattle are weathering this better than row‑crop‑only farms.
Progressive Farmer
https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/home
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Farm margins are tight and the headlines aren’t lying—tariffs, fertilizer and machinery costs, and labor constraints are hitting producers. Jackson Takach (Farmer Mac) breaks down what’s signal vs. noise.
What we cover:
- Tariffs 101: Section 301 (unfair trade), 232 (national security), and IEEPA actions (the biggest bucket and under legal challenge). Why these hit steel/aluminum and fertilizer components—and how that flows to implement and input prices.
- Costs that pay back vs. pure drag: seed tech and risk-reduction can be worth it; fertilizer, machinery and labor are harder to offset—2026 looks tighter than 2025.
- Adaptation that actually helps: proven tech + regenerative practices to reduce input reliance.
- Bankruptcies: Chapter 12 filings are up in Arkansas and Nebraska—rising from 2023–24 lows back toward 2018–20 levels.
- Regional stress drivers: soy/rice/cotton marketing pain and flooding in AR; feedlot squeeze and weaker soy export pull in NE.
- Policy + relief: ongoing US–China trade talks; ~$15–20B of prior-year USDA aid still to deploy; Farm Bill politics and PLC “facelift” dynamics.
- Opportunities: growing global protein demand, renewable diesel/SAF, and more U.S. soybean crush capacity.
- Labor & immigration: H‑2A works for seasonal crops; year‑round gaps push automation.
- AI’s real role: better data sense‑making and lending workflows—not replacing credit decisions.
- Land values: Midwest stabilizing/slipping, Southeast firming, West = water‑dependent. Introducing the Farmland Price Index (Farmer Mac × AcreValue) built on transactions, not surveys.
Farmer Mac
https://www.farmermac.com/
The Feed - Farmland Price Index (By Farmer Mac)
https://farmermac.com/thefeed/q2-2025-farmland-price-index-update/
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Are you a landowner or developer weighing an auction vs. traditional listing—or a land agent who needs a faster, cleaner path to price discovery?
In this episode of The National Land Podcast, host Mac Christian sits down with Joel King—a 42-year real estate veteran (licensed across the South/Midwest)—to explain when auctions win, how to run them right, and when to walk away.
What You’ll Learn* When to choose auction: marketable asset, real buyer pool, and the ability to create competition (not every property qualifies). * Subdivide smart: use local regs (septic/well/roads) and multi-par bidding to expand affordability without torching community goodwill. * Auction types, plain and simple: reserve vs. absolute, sealed-bid, and why Dutch auctions are rare. * Timeline that actually happens: ~45–60 days to auction, ~30 days to close—about 90 days end-to-end. * Due diligence that protects you: title search early, screen the seller (SOS), require bidder access, no post-auction contingencies, and order Phase I (and II if needed) for potential EPA issues. * Price discovery by competition: the crowd validates value; proper increments and structure prevent the “sold for a dollar” myth. * Marketing that moves the needle: rifle (targeted) > shotgun; local/regional/national mix; weekdays for commercial; avoid big game days; Midwest selling season is Sep 15–Mar 15. * Creating value: utilities/road tweaks, owner-finance options, and bank/REO case studies where breaking into digestible tracts unlocked 6-figure gains. * Expectation management: don’t “buy the listing.” Need/want ≠ value (your four heirs wanting $1M each doesn’t set price).
This episode is a must-listen for* Landowners who want a 90-day exit or real price discovery * Developers/land funds, banks, trustees, receivers moving inventory at scale * Ag operators pruning marginal tracts to strengthen balance sheets * Land agents/brokers adding a proven auction tool to close tough listings
Bottom line: If more than one qualified buyer wants it, a well-run auction can beat months on the market. Get the right team, do the diligence, set a real timeline, and let competition do its job.
Talk with Joel King
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/joel-king
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Are you a landowner who wants your ranch to pass cleanly to the next generation—or a land agent tired of deals dying over cloudy title?
In this episode of The National Land Podcast, host Mac Christian sits down with Tiffany Dowell Lashmet (Ag Law Professor & Extension Specialist, Texas A&M) and Wayne Dunson (Managing Broker, National Land Realty—West Texas) to demystify probate—the legal process that moves assets from the deceased to the living—and the tools that keep it from blowing up your land plans.
What You’ll Learn:
- What probate is and why you still need it even if there’s a will
- Dying without a will (intestacy): how state statutes—not your wishes—divide assets and create messy joint ownership
- Why failing to probate strands title in the deceased’s name, blocks sales, and costs heirs more later (e.g., Texas has a typical 4-year window)
- Wills vs. Trusts: trusts can bypass probate entirely; when each makes sense for landowners
- Texas will execution basics: handwritten (holographic) vs. typewritten wills, witness rules, and why beneficiaries shouldn’t witness
- Probate-avoidance tools: LLCs and transfer-on-death deeds (in Texas, revocable) to move property with only a death certificate
- Real-world horror stories: unknown heirs, missing co-owners, partition suits, deep discounts to clear title
- Family dynamics you must address now: on-farm vs. off-farm heirs, unequal contributions, and setting expectations
- Why DIY online forms backfire on farms/ranches—hire an ag-savvy estate-planning attorney in your state
- Agent playbook: verify probate status early, flag title clouds, and get clients to counsel before listing
This episode is a must-listen for:
- Landowners and family decision-makers on farms and ranches
- Heirs, executors, and trustees facing title/estate questions
- Land agents/brokers who want to prevent deal-killing probate issues
- CPAs and attorneys serving rural clients
Don’t punt on probate. A valid, state-compliant plan now is cheaper than courtroom chaos later—get the right documents in place, probate on time, and keep your land legacy intact.
Read about Tiffany Lashmet
https://agecon.tamu.edu/people/dowell-lashmet-tiffany/
Contact Wayne Dunson
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/wayne-dunson
National Land Realty
Buy, Sell, Lease, or Auction Land
https://www.nationalland.com
Are you a landowner buying or selling ag ground, or a land agent who wants a real, defensible way to put money back in your client’s pocket?
In this episode of The National Land Podcast, host Mac Christian talks with Alec Bean and Karly Pavlinac of The Soil Tax Guys about a powerful, underused tool: IRS Section 180. In plain English, you can deduct the excess soil fertility you acquire with a farm or ranch, treating those nutrients like an asset, if you follow the rules.
Whether you row-crop, graze cattle, or market farmland, you’ll learn how to lock in a one-time, use-it-or-lose-it deduction that can materially change deal math.
What You’ll Learn:* How Section 180 works (fertility valued via soil tests and USDA pricing = tax deduction) * The critical timing: test after closing and before any fertilizer is applied * Typical values (~$500/ac averages) and real cases topping $1k–$6.5k/ac * Three ways CPAs take it: all at once, 60/30/10 over 3 years, or over useful life * Where it applies: food and forage production (crops, grazing)—not timber/hunting-only tracts * State nuances: why land-grant university guidelines drive which nutrients count * Deal strategy: pre-sale testing as a marketing tool, auction use, and portfolio roll-forward * Risk & readiness: audit-defensible reports (GPS’d sampling, documentation) and common CPA misconceptions * Edge cases: recent purchases with no fertilizer yet, and why inheritance usually doesn’t qualify
This episode is a must-listen for:* Farm/ranch owners buying or selling ground * Land brokers/auctioneers who want a sharper pitch (and faster closings) * Operators expanding portfolios who reinvest tax savings into the next deal * Heirs/trustees evaluating sale vs. hold strategies on working land
Don’t leave five or six figures on the table. If ag is the use, Section 180 should be on your checklist every single time.
Are you a landowner who wants to keep your place working, without watching it get carved into subdivisions? Or a land agent who needs a straight, defensible path to long-term land protection and tax advantages?
In this episode of The National Land Podcast, host Mac Christian sits down with Sara Johnson (Conservation Biologist, North American Land Trust) and Doug Bruggeman (National Land Realty agent & ecological economist) to break down the most powerful, yet misunderstood tool in private-land conservation: the conservation easement.
Whether you ranch, farm, manage timber, or own family hunting ground, this episode shows how to protect land in perpetuity, keep core uses, and capture real tax benefits, without killing resale.
What You’ll Learn:
- How conservation easements actually work (reserved rights, building envelopes, what’s allowed vs. restricted)
- How appraisals drive tax deductions and multi-year carryforwards, plus special treatment for farmers and ranchers
- What baseline documentation and ongoing stewardship look like (so you avoid violations)
- How mitigation/species banking fits in (yes, “bat banks”) and when it applies
- Market reality: selling conserved land, busting the “no buyers” myth, and planning for legacy
- Risk control: avoiding inflated appraisals, handling violations, and the rare eminent-domain edge cases
This episode is a must-listen for:
- Landowners who want to lock in open space, wildlife habitat, and water quality
- Brokers/agents advising clients on conservation-forward exit strategies
- Ranchers, farmers, and timber owners balancing income with protection
- Heirs and family trustees aiming to prevent future subdivision and keep the place intact
- Don’t guess your way through “forever.” If you want your acreage protected and still productive, this is the candid playbook on conservation easements.
North American Land Trust
https://northamericanlandtrust.org/
Talk with Doug Bruggeman
https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/doug-bruggeman
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
2025’s ag laws, no spin. American Farm Burueau Federation Economist, Daniel Munch, breaks down what the American Relief Act and HR1 (“One Big Beautiful Bill”) actually changed for farmers, ranchers, and timberland owners: disaster aid, tax relief, ARC/PLC extensions, conservation through 2031, disease‑readiness funding—and what Washington still hasn’t fixed.
- Why these passed: must‑pass funding + reconciliation math, not kumbaya.
- Core programs extended to 2031: ARC/PLC, Dairy Margin Coverage; EQIP/CSP/ACEP funded forward.
- CRP: not extended in HR1; needs separate action (a “skinny” farm bill or stand‑alone).
- Disaster money: ~$30B total in the Relief Act (≈$10B economic aid to row‑crops; ≈$20B disasters). Helpful, not enough to backfill multi‑year crop, livestock, timber, and infrastructure losses.
- Drought trigger fixed: LFP now four consecutive weeks of qualifying drought (down from eight).
- Rancher win: LIP now 100% compensation for federally protected predator kills (wolves/grizzlies).
- State block grants: Flexibility for hard‑hit states (e.g., hurricane zones) that can include timber.
- Taxes you can actually use: Estate tax exemption permanent at $15M / $30M couple; 199A stays; bonus depreciation back; Section 179 expensing up to $2.5M for equipment and capital improvements (barns, fencing, irrigation).
- Clean fuel credits (45Z): benefits risk getting stuck at processors unless contracts force value back to growers.
- Disease readiness: $233M/year mandated for stockpiles, diagnostics, training—real money to keep herds healthy.
- Market context: Land values up but margins down; these programs support lender confidence but don’t erase price pressure.
- Foreign land ownership: Data/reporting gaps are real; enforcement and look‑through need teeth; private‑property rights vs. national‑security concerns.
- Why SNAP stays in the farm bill: urban votes keep farm programs alive. No SNAP = no votes = no farm bill.
American Farm Bureau Federation
https://www.fb.org/
One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Final Agricultural Provisions, by Daniel Munch
https://www.fb.org/market-intel/one-big-beautiful-bill-act-final-agricultural-provisions
National Land Realty
Buy, Sell, Lease, or Auction Land
https://www.nationalland.com
Buying land? Skip the septic due diligence and you could light $30,000–$40,000 on fire.
In this episode, host Mac Christian sits down with Tyler Sgro, President & CEO of Davis Horizons (licensed professional soil classifier), and Robert Waddell of National Land Realty to lay out—in plain English—how septic systems make or break raw land purchases.
We cut through the hype on septic vs. sewer, conventional (non‑engineered) vs. engineered systems, and the real drivers of cost: soil texture, seasonal high water table/zone of saturation, space constraints, topography, and bedroom count. You’ll get a straight answer on the “perc (perk) test” vs. soil test debate (hint: in South Carolina it’s a soil classification that matters), plus what actually happens in the drain field, how septic tanks work, and the maintenance that keeps systems from failing.
What you’ll learn (without the sales pitch):
- When a lot truly supports a conventional drain field and when you’ll need an engineered/pre‑treatment system—and why engineered isn’t “bad,” it’s just different.
- Budgeting that doesn’t blow up: why a soil test before closing protects you from $30k–$40k surprises; typical pump‑out costs (~$500 every 3–5 years); realistic lifespans (conventional ~30–50 years; treatment systems ~20–30 years).
- How bedroom count dictates system size (plan for more bedrooms now; you can scale down later) and the regulatory planning number of ~120 gallons/day per bedroom.
- Mounded fill vs. pre‑treatment: footprint trade‑offs, aesthetics, and costs in shallow‑groundwater or poor‑soil scenarios.
- Wetlands & permits: when you cannot place a system without a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland fill permit; why setbacks and space—not just acreage—often control feasibility.
- Common failure points (and how to avoid them): solids getting past the tank, flushing the wrong materials, vacation‑rental usage spikes (barrier‑island problem), and ignoring annual service on advanced treatment units.
- Replacement realities & regulations: why many replacements are treated as repairs (SC context) and when a new soil look makes sense on older systems.
Who this episode is for: land buyers and sellers, agents, builders, homesteaders, developers, investors—anyone evaluating buildable acreage without municipal sewer.
Guests:
- Tyler Sgro, President & CEO, Davis Horizons — a tech‑forward soil services firm operating statewide in South Carolina.
- Robert Waddell, National Land Realty — 14 years in land sales with a focus on contract contingencies that actually protect buyers.
Bottom line: If septic feasibility isn’t a top contract contingency, you’re gambling with your buildability, your budget, and your timeline.
Davis Horizons Website
https://www.davishorizons.com/
National Land Realty
https://www.nationalland.com
Are you a landowner preparing to sell your property—or a land agent looking to offer clients smarter exit strategies?
In this episode of The National Land Podcast, host Mac Christian sits down with Chad Ettmueller, Senior Vice President at JCR Settlements, to break down a powerful—but often overlooked—tool for land sellers: Structured Installment Sales under IRS Section 453.
Whether you're retiring from agriculture, offloading inherited land, or just looking to lock in current market highs, this episode will show you how to defer capital gains taxes, create guaranteed income streams, and even build multi-generational wealth using your land sale proceeds.
What You’ll Learn:* How structured installment sales work—and how they differ from traditional annuities * Ways to defer capital gains taxes legally and effectively at the time of sale * Why sellers are using these tools to avoid lump-sum windfalls and secure long-term financial stability * Flexible strategies for combining structured sales with 1031 exchanges * Options for index-linked growth using S&P, NASDAQ, and Franklin Templeton indexes * Real-world examples of landowners increasing value over time * Use cases for land-rich, cash-poor sellers in farming, ranching, and inherited land scenarios
This episode is a must-listen for:
- Landowners selling real estate or farmland
- Real estate agents and brokers advising high-net-worth clients
- Retiring farmers or ranchers seeking secure income
- Heirs and beneficiaries planning for wealth transfer or college funding
Don't sell land without hearing this first. Whether you’re liquidating for lifestyle reasons or just want a better tax strategy, structured installment sales could be your most powerful tool.
Visit JCR Settlements to learn more about Structured Installment Sales
https://www.jcrsettlements.com/installment-sales
Visit National Land Realty if you are interested in buying, selling, leasing, or auctioning land.
https://www.nationalland.com
Wildfire seasons are no longer seasonal; they’re year-round. In this episode of the National Land Podcast, host Mac Christian is joined by wildfire operations expert Terry Severson to dissect the catastrophic wildfire crisis gripping the West Coast. From California’s explosive wildfires to Oregon’s yearly burn cycles, they expose the uncomfortable truths behind fire mismanagement, fire exclusion policies, and why prescribed burns are both a solution and a risk.
Severson, a veteran of federal fire management and international fire strategy, breaks down:
- Why California wildfires keep getting worse
- How 100+ years of fire suppression led to today's megafires
- Why fire crews are underfunded and under fire, literally
- The role of climate change in fire seasons that never end
- How public resistance to smoke and land ordinances is fueling the problem
- The terrifying reality of crown fires and fire-generated weather systems
- Why invasive species like cheatgrass are making wildfires unmanageable
This is essential listening for anyone living in wildfire zones, looking for land for sale in California or Oregon, or trying to understand the truth about wildland fire science and policy.
National Interagency Fire Center
https://www.nifc.gov/
Track wildfires near you
https://app.watchduty.org
Start your land journey. Buy, sell, lease, or auction land.
https://www.nationalland.com
In this episode of the National Land Podcast, host Mac Christian sits down with Samuel Seeton, founder and CEO of Infinite Outdoors, to talk about a game-changing platform for rural landowners and DIY hunters alike.
We dive into how Samuel’s experience growing up on Colorado ranchland and navigating bad outfitter leases inspired a tech-forward solution to a very old problem: how to monetize rural land for recreational use without sacrificing conservation values or landowner control.
If you're a private landowner, you'll learn how to:
- Generate 5x more income than traditional outfitter leases by offering short-term DIY hunting and fishing access.
- Maintain full control of your property with calendar management, automated enforcement, and zero direct communication required with hunters.
- Partner with professional biologists to set sustainable harvest limits and enhance wildlife habitat through data-backed conservation.
- Tap into programs like Access Granted, which pays landowners for allowing pass-through to public land while maintaining privacy and control.
We also unpack:
- Why the DIY hunting community is exploding, and how Infinite Outdoors matches their needs with private access.
- How the platform protects landowners via background checks, harvest reporting, and infractions enforcement.
- The financial reality of leasing vs Infinite Outdoors: one ranch went from earning $5,000 to $20,000 per year without giving up access or stewardship.
Whether you’re a land investor, ranch owner, outdoor entrepreneur, or a wildlife-minded hunter, this episode delivers real-world insight into the future of land access, conservation-based profit models, and rural tech innovation.
Infinite Outdoors
https://infiniteoutdoorsusa.com/
National Land Realty
America's Land Company
https://www.nationalland.com
In this episode of the National Land Podcast, host Mac Christian sits down with Richard Cook and Madison Durkin of Ag Lending Group, a Phoenix-based agricultural lending firm with deep roots in farming and finance. From surviving debt during the Carter-era interest rate hikes to advising distressed ranchers across the country, Richard shares the hard-earned wisdom behind the group's mission: flexible, relationship-driven lending for real ag operations.
Madison discusses generational land transitions, the power of advisory lending, and how their firm helps clients build a future on rural land, whether they're inheriting the family farm, launching a hobby orchard, or saving a multi-state cattle operation. Their motto, "No suits, no ties, no lies," isn't just a slogan; it's a business model that favors integrity, grit, and practical know-how over polished sales pitches.
They discuss:
- How A Lending Group started from farming roots
- What differentiates their lending approach from banks and private equity
- Stories of saving struggling operations from foreclosure
- How they structure ag land loans and what flexibility really means
- The rise of inherited farmland and how it works with the next generation
- National lending reach, with clients from California to the Carolinas
- Why they only get paid if they close the deal
Whether you're running a dairy, managing inherited land, or financing your dream orchard, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real-world stories from the frontlines of ag lending.
Contact the Ag Lending Group
https://www.aglendinggroup.com/
Buy, Sell, Lease, or Auction Land
https://www.nationalland.com
In this episode, Mac Christian sits down with Erik Gillam, CPA and Agriculture Practice Leader at Aldrich Advisors, to unpack the complex (and often overlooked) financial and accounting challenges facing modern agricultural operations.
Whether you're running a family farm, overseeing a multi-million-dollar ag enterprise, or advising landowners on succession planning, this episode is packed with actionable insights on tax strategy, cash flow, entity structure, audits, bonus depreciation, and ag-specific accounting tactics.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
- When and why mid-to-large ag operations need a CPA who understands production agriculture
- The truth about bonus depreciation in 2025 (and how to leverage ag buildings and equipment)
- How cash-basis tax accounting can kill your loan approval
- Strategies for farm business transitions (multi-generation family farms)
- The hidden value of inventory and how to prove it to banks
- Audit vs. review vs. compilation — and which one your farm may need
- Depreciable assets, soil fertility deductions, and tax Code 180
- Real talk on CPAs, co-ops, and why most farmers outgrow “mom-and-pop” accountants
Guest: Erik Gillam, Aldrich CPA + Advisors
More info: https://aldrichadvisors.com
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In this episode of the National Land Podcast, Mac Christian sits down with Chris Clayton, Ag Policy Editor for Progressive Farmer (DTN), to dig deep into the policy issues shaking up American agriculture. From USDA loan oversight to immigration raids on farms, and the trade standoff with China, this is a must-listen for anyone in land real estate, farming, or ag policy.
TOPICS COVERED:
- USDA & FSA loan policy changes (>$400K scrutiny by DOGE)
- Lack of transparency in farm data sharing (“super database” concerns)
- Foreign land ownership: China, Syngenta, and military proximity issues
- Immigration enforcement & H-2A labor cost crisis
- ICE raids' ripple effects on agriculture, hospitality, and meatpacking
- Farm Bill vs. “Big Beautiful Bill”: what's funded, what’s ignored
- SNAP cuts, commodity payments, and rural broadband gaps
- Screw worm threat and animal disease control gaps
- Trade tensions: China, tariffs, soybeans, pork, and ethanol exports
- How weather and global politics (Ukraine, Israel) impact crop and input markets
Progressive Farmer:
https://www.dtnpf.com
Follow Chris on X (Twitter):
@ChrisClaytonDTN
Buy, Sell, Lease, or Auction Land
https://www.nationalland.com
In this urgent and insight-packed episode of the National Land Podcast, host Mac Christian sits down with Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), to talk about everything from cattle markets and advocacy to an emerging threat few saw coming: the resurgence of the New World screwworm.
Colin outlines NCBA’s deep-rooted history dating back to 1898 and how it remains the largest and most influential cattle producer organization in the U.S., representing over 270,000 cattle producers across all 50 states. The conversation spans major ongoing concerns in the beef industry, including:
- Beef market trends in 2025 and how high demand, limited herd supply, and rising quality have kept prices strong.
- The delays in the Farm Bill and its implications for ranchers and producers, especially the crucial funding for Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine banks.
- How water scarcity, drought conditions, and aquifer depletion are shaping the cattle landscape—and what producers are doing to adapt.
- The rise of niche beef markets like grass-fed, locally sourced, and hormone-free, and how they're driving demand and providing new revenue for producers.
- A deep dive into the New World Screw Worm crisis: what it is, why it’s dangerous, how it re-emerged, and what the cattle industry must do now to stop it.
- The role of NCBA in advocacy, public awareness, technology integration, and emergency response in the face of this new biological threat.
Colin also shares how NCBA is leading national response efforts, from lobbying for sterile fly production to helping producers identify, treat, and report infestations. It’s a critical listen for landowners, cattle producers, ag investors, and anyone concerned with rural land health, agricultural policy, or the food supply chain.
Visit the NCBA Website
New World Screwworm Resources
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In this episode of the National Land Podcast, host Mac Christian sits down with Dr. Scott Baier, Professor of Economics and Associate Dean of Research at Clemson University, to unpack the economic realities behind tariffs, global trade, and the growing U.S. national debt.
We delve into how U.S.-China trade tensions, tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and the evolution of trade agreements like NAFTA to USMCA are influencing supply chains and U.S. manufacturing. Dr. Baier explains the real impact of tariffs on consumers, businesses, and jobs, and why many economists remain skeptical of their long-term benefits.
The conversation also covers:
- How global supply chain risks are shifting post-COVID
- The legal challenges facing the presidential tariff authority
- The connection between federal deficits, debt, and entitlement programs
- What’s driving the national debt, and what realistic solutions exist to reduce it
- Why Social Security and Medicare are central to the deficit conversation
- Whether offshoring is truly harming American manufacturing jobs
Packed with insights and clear economic breakdowns, this episode is a must-listen for anyone following U.S. economic policy, global trade, or national fiscal health.
Check out Doctor Scott Baier's Research!
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In this episode, Mac Christian hosts Jackson Takach, Chief Economist and Director of Strategy, Research, & Analytics at Farmer Mac, for a frank discussion on the real economic challenges facing American agriculture. Tackling everything from rising tariffs and interest rates to farmland values and global trade tensions, Jackson breaks down the complexity of today's economic landscape.
You’ll learn about:
- The debut of Farmer Mac’s new Farmland Price Index
- The ripple effects of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on agriculture
- The reality behind the reshoring of manufacturing and trade strategy
- Why economists feel more like weather forecasters today
- What’s stalling the Farm Bill—and whether a name change could help
If you're a farmer, ag lender, policy nerd, or just someone trying to make sense of the macroeconomic mess, this episode delivers insight, data, and some much-needed perspective.
Read the Feed: Farmer Mac's Information Base for Ag Data
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Today, we are talking about insurance! Exciting and insurance are two words we wouldn’t normally associate with each other, but this is a fascinating topic. We recently encountered SRA 831(b) Admin. Yes, that is the name of the company. A company that is making maximum use of SEO, which of course, we love. SRA 831(b) Admin is owned by fellow Idahoan (Mac lives in Idaho), Van Carlson, and is built around I.R.S. Code 831(b). This tax law establishes micro-captive insurance companies. If none of this makes sense to you, Van Carlson is here today to tell you how his company can help you create your own tax-friendly insurance program to offset risks to your business. There are a lot of moving pieces to this tax code, but that’s why this company exists. This may be a game changer for you and your business.
SRA 831(b) Admin
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In this episode of the National Land Podcast, host Mac Christian sits down with Christian Berg, Editor-in-Chief of Bowhunter Magazine, and Aaron Sutton, a land broker with National Land Realty and president of NLR's hunting lease division. Christian shares his journey to becoming one of bowhunting's most influential media voices, while Aaron recounts how he built a career centered around land & hunting.
The conversation dives deep into the challenges and benefits of leasing hunting land, and how managing hunting pressure and property access are key to growing trophy whitetails. They discuss the rising popularity of hunting leases, the impact of skyrocketing land values, and the critical need for clear expectations and contracts between landowners and lessees.
Whether you're a seasoned hunter, landowner, or just want to understand how leasing can provide better access to quality hunting, this episode is a masterclass in the intersection of land and wildlife management.
Bowhunter Magazine
Talk to Aaron Sutton
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Carbon credits have been a hot topic since the inception of carbon credit markets. This is an often discussed topic that can be difficult to get an understand of. Today, we are talking to National Land Realty agent, Keith Morris. Keith Morris is a land real estate with a unique specialty background in minerals and devices such as carbon credits. We are also talking with Will Clayton, CEO of Sky Harvest. Sky Harvest is taking a new approach to carbon credits with shorter-duration carbon credit agreements. In this episode, we discuss the carbon credit market, options available to landowners, how to take advantage of carbon credits, and of course, what sets Sky Harvest apart.
Contact Sky Harvest
Contact Keith Morris
Read Income Opportunities for Land, by Keith Morris
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If you’ve ever searched for land for sale, chances are you have come across Land.com. Land.com is owned by Costar Group, the owner of brands such as Apartments.com, Loopnet and Homes.com. Today is a conversation with Tom Alexander. He is a fellow traditional bow enthusiast and the Publisher of Land Magazine. We discuss what goes on behind the scenes at Land.com, how it works, and what is in store for the future.
Search Land.com
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If you want to buy land and don’t have cash on hand, the process is challenging and complex. Land financing can be difficult if you are not aware of all of the resources available to you. Today, we are talking with Matthew Manuel, Robby Frantzis, and Tim Jett of the agricultural lending institution Conterra. Our discussion covers land loans, alternative financing, equipment loans, interest rates, and the current conditions of the land real estate market.
Talk with Conterra today!
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Tariffs are a huge topic in the news cycle right now. If you own farmland, this topic is especially important. Today, we will discuss this topic and much more with one of the United States' top economic minds. We are once again talking to Jackson Takach, Chief Economist, Vice President of Strategy, Research, & Analytics for Farmer Mac. Those of you listening for the first time, this is an absolutely special treat. Farmer Mac functions as the secondary marketplace for land loans. In other words, this is where most land loans originate. Get ready for a terrific episode!
Visit Farmer Mac
Read The Feed, Farmer Mac's Newsletter
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Maryland's booming Sika deer population is transforming the hunting land market, creating lucrative opportunities for landowners looking to sell. Originally native to East Asia, Sika deer were introduced to Maryland by Clement Henry, and their expanding range has turned once-overlooked properties into highly valuable hunting land. As demand surges, landowners across the state are capitalizing on rising land values. Expert land real estate agents Sue Hudson and Doug Williams with National Land Realty specialize in helping landowners maximize their property's worth in this growing market. Today, we discuss this land market and these invasive “miniature elk.”
Talk to Sue Hudson
Talk to Doug Williams
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The Conservation Stewardship Program, otherwise known as CSP, is the largest conservation program in the United States. Enabling agricultural land owners to be reimbursed for activities such as rotational grazing, cover crops, and invasive species mitigation, this program is extremely valuable. Indiana National Land Realty agent, Jacob Jenkins, has spent the past year researching this program in order to provide value for his clients. Today, we talk to Jacob about how to get involved in CSP, how it works, and what it can do for you.
Talk with Jacob Jenkins
NRCS TSP Portal
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Wild hogs are a problem throughout the United States. For those of us who do not live in an area without these feral animals, it is hard to understand. Wild hogs affect agriculture, breed quickly, and are nearly impossible to eradicate. Today we are talking with land real estate agent Wyatt Brannan, in our Odessa Texas office, to get a grasp of this problem. Wyatt has first-experience with wild hogs and we will discuss their biology, impact, and the hunting industry that is emerging around them.
Talk to Wyatt Brannan
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Selling land seems pretty straightforward. It sells itself. However, getting things right before you sell your land may drastically increase the appeal to buyers and may influence the price that buyers are willing to pay. Today, we will discuss this topic with Anders Land, a land real estate agent in South Carolina. Anders, yes you heard that right, his last name is Land, probably the best agent name in history, and a land real estate with National Land Realty. There’s zero possibility that he isn’t sick of comments about his name but he’s a great sport, a great person, and a highly knowledgeable agent who knows what you should be doing before you sell land.
Talk to Anders Land!
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Selling land requires specific knowledge. For each type of land, there are variables to consider as well as different timelines. Selling agricultural land requires due diligence, research, and planning. Today we are talking to a land real estate agent with plenty of experience selling farmland and running ag operations. Shannon Schlachter was born and raised around agriculture and currently runs a 4th generation farm in Colorado. Today we discuss what you need to know before you go to market with farmland. When is the best time to sell? What should you consider before selling? We have answers. Do not miss this episode if you own farmland and have considered selling it.
Talk to Shannon Schlachter
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We’ve had a lot of conversations in the past few weeks about land sales in 2025. Today, we continue that conversation with the CEO of National Land Realty, Ronnie Richardson. Ronnie is one of the top minds in the land industry and carries with him a wealth of knowledge on land trends and the strategy of buying and selling land. Today we talk about our thoughts on what will happen in land real estate in 2025. Also covered in today’s episode is the use of 1031 & 1033 exchanges, tax code 180, and the great wealth transfer. Over the next 15 years, economists are anticipating the greatest transfer of land and wealth we’ve ever seen, and real estate companies like National Land Realty are on the front line. We cover all this exciting information and more.
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Want to stay ahead of the curve in the land market? Today we are talking with Andrew Hotchkiss IV, Western Regional Director at CREXI. CREXI is one of the leading search engines for land sales and acquisition. The platform has historically specialized in commercial real estate, but a few short years ago they started putting a heavy focus on rural land. They now find themselves as one of the frontrunners in the industry and today we are talking about their system and what 2025 has in store.
Visit CREXI
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Welcome to another episode of the National Land Podcast! Today, we’re excited to sit down with Ben Maddox, Vice President of Business Development at Acres.com. Ben is here to share insights into Acres.com’s innovative platform and how it’s transforming land transactions. We’ll dive into how the platform works, its unique tools, and how it’s simplifying the land-buying process. Plus, we’ll look ahead at the land market trends in 2025, including what buyers and sellers can expect in the coming year. Whether you’re a land real estate agent or a land investor, this conversation is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!
Check Out Acres.com!
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We are back! This is the National Land Podcast and this is our first episode of 2025.
At the end of 2024, National Land Realty collected some of our top agents and brokers to meet and discuss their perspectives on land throughout the United States. This information is valuable whether you are looking for land for sale or to sell your land. Each area of the United States has unique land, unique prices for that land, and unique inventories for available land. We try to cover as much as we can by talking to agents spread throughout this great country.
Sit back and enjoy!
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What's in store for land values and agriculture in 2025? Today is our quarterly conversation with Jackson Takach, Chief Economist and Vice President of Strategy, Research, and Analytics at Farmer Mac. For those who are unfamiliar with Farmer Mac, they are the secondary market for agricultural loans in the United States. Today, we discuss 2025 land markets, what a new presidential administration might mean for United States land values and agriculture, and progress on the farm bill.
Visit Farmer Mac
Read The Feed, Farmer Mac's Newsletter
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Looking for the highest and best use of your land? Have you considered building an RV Resort? We talk a lot on this podcast about selling land, farms, ranches, and improvements for hunting land. This topic gets overlooked, and as we are about to find out, an RV Resort could be a very good option for landowners. Hillary Engler is the owner of Paradise Found RV Resort, in Theodore, Alabama. I’ve known Hillary for a while, but had no idea until we sat down to discuss this podcast that she was a co-founder of this unique business… and it had me researching the topic for the next week to see how I might build one.
Paradise Found RV Resort
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Working in the outdoors is a prospect that is appealing to many, especially those who listen to podcasts like this one. Today we are talking about a professional vocation that lives, breathes, and works in the outdoors; park rangers. Shawn Llewellyn is a park ranger at Paris Mountain State Park in South Carolina. To be a park ranger, there are a lot of concessions to make, but for those who have a love for the land, they are concessions that are well worth it.
Visit Paris Mountain State Park
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Craig Poppinga is a part of the BuckVentures Pro Staff out of Missouri. This year National Land Realty offered the BuckVentures pro staff a chance to win a Colorado Pronghorn hunt by submitting to a photo contest on Facebook and Craig came out as the winner. This is not the end of the story. It gets much better.
Check out BuckVentures
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Dillon Smith is a land real estate agent out of Crescent, Oklahoma. We talked with Dillon about selling land 1 year ago. At the time, Dillon was a brand new agent. 1 year ago, we were laughing about how Dillon had acquired his first sales through other agents in the company and was scrapping his way to learn the ropes. In a short time, Dillon has cracked well inside our top 100 agents and is currently listing just shy of 20 Oklahoma properties. This is a chance to touch base and discuss his journey, discuss winter crop preparation, tell some hunting lies, and even talk about my fear of tornadoes and poisonous snakes.
Talk to Dillon Smith
Listen to Dillon's First Podcast
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If you are going to sell your land or have plans to sell your land, listen to this podcast first. We are here today with West Texas land real estate broker, Wayne Dunson, and we are discussing what might be the single most important part of selling any land. There are countless strategies out there discussed by real estate professionals, but pricing will make or break your sale.
Contact Wayne Dunson
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Kentucky Land Professional Grace Jenkins holds bachelor's degrees in agricultural economics and business administration. She also happens to be the third generation of Jenkins Performance Horses, an award-winning, family-owned outfit of quarterhorse breeding, training, competition & selling of AQHA-registered horses. Today, we talk with Grace about her family business and Kentucky land sales.
Contact Grace Jenkins
Jenkins Performance Horses
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Hunting season is here, which makes it a great time to review firearms safety. Today, we are talking with Nebraska agent, Jim Fleissner, and Nebraska Television Host, Author, and Marketing and Communications Specialist for Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Greg Wagner. Every hunter should brush up on firearms safety, especially if you have a few years under your belt.
Nebraska Game & Parks Commission
Iowa Hunter Safety
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Have you considered remodeling a historic home? You might drive by one on a regular basis and think how cool it would be to bring a historic home back to life. Most of us have thought about it at one time or another, but there are a few people out there who leap when others do not. Woodland Plantation is located in Union County, South Carolina and this is a story of a family creating something truly magical out of a historic building. This Plantation is currently for sale and this is the story behind this incredible property.
Watch the Podcast on YouTube
Tour Woodland Plantation
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Looking for unique ways to make income off of your land? Look no further than today’s episode. Denver Downs is located in Anderson, South Carolina and has been owned by the same family since 1869. As with any piece of land owned by the same family for decades, this land has seen many changes. The Garrison family has adapted with the economics of the region and Denver Downs is now an agricultural tourist destination. Catherine Garrison Davis is an owner of this wonderful piece of land and she is here to talk about the journey of Denver Downs from farm to premiere tourist destination.
Check out Denver Downs!
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How will interest rate drops affect land sales? Today is our quarterly economic update, covering interest rate impact on agriculture, land for sale, and new announcements from the USDA. Jackson Takach is the Chief Economist and Head of Strategy, Research, and Analytics for Farmer Mac, the secondary market for agricultural loans. He is here to help us make sense of our current economic environment. Jackson joins us once per quarter to discuss agricultural economics and land values throughout the United States. If you are interested in land or agriculture, this episode is required listening.
Visit Farmer Mac
Read The Feed, Farmer Mac's Newsletter
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Today we are talking to members of W.I.L.L., which stands for Women in Land Leadership. Let’s face it, when we are talking about agricultural land, hunting land, or timber investments the proportion of male to female will be skewed. This is an area of real estate that a lot of female agents have not considered and they should. Terri Jensen, Beth McLellan, and Claire Dee have a wide range of experience as we cover everything, from commercial development in England to hunting land in Missouri.
Talk to Terri Jensen, licensed in Minnesota and Nebraska
Talk with Beth McLellan, licensed in Missouri
Talk with Claire Dee, licensed in Virginia
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Artificial Intelligence has ruled the headlines over the past year. Opinions on artificial intelligence have ranged from apocalyptic to useless. Today we are discussing the intersection of artificial intelligence and real estate with Washington-based land real estate agent, Ernest Peralta. Using AI to help evaluate properties, assessing overhead costs, streamlining processes, and what the future holds are all discussed. The buying and selling of land is a complex process and AI is one tool that gives a significant advantage to users.
Talk to Ernest Peralta
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Conservation is a word that can have heavy political undertones and in some parts of the United States, it is a four-letter word. Often, conservation is pitted against landowners and agriculture as an either/or situation, and it shouldn’t be. Today, we are talking to Lesli Allison, CEO of the Western Landowners Alliance, an organization determined to change the relationship between landowners and conservation. This organization works with landowners, not against them to achieve terrific results in conservation.
Learn about the Western Landowners Alliance
Donate to the Western Landowners Alliance
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How do turkeys know when mating season starts? If you know the answer to that question, please don’t spoil it for the rest of the listeners. Turkeys, like deer, elk, and most other wildlife have a defined mating season at the same time each year. Actually, the only animals I could find that don’t have a mating season are the Golden Spiny Mouse, the Tree Kangaroo, the Musk Shrew, the Long-Thumbed Frog, and a short list of others. Today, Jason Lupardus, CEO of Turkeys for Tomorrow, tells us how turkeys time their mating season so accurately, what changes in their behavior, and why some turkeys start their struts early.
Join Turkeys for Tomorrow
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Can you use your land for carbon credits? This is just one of the questions that gets answered on today's episode of the National Land Podcast. At the heart of today’s conversation is The Nectar Exchange, a non-profit group dedicated to conservation in land management. Doug Bruggeman is a Ph.D. in natural resource management, Steve Martin is a Professional Wetlands Scientist, and they’re both here today to tell us all about carbon credits. Their recent article titled Additionality of Voluntary Carbon Credits for Wetland, Stream, and Species Mitigation Activities in the United States serves as the backbone for this conversation.
Read About The Nectar Exchange
Talk to Doug Bruggeman About Your Land
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Every outdoors enthusiast has probably dreamed at some point of making a career guiding adventures in the outdoors. Today, we are talking to one of our new agents, Taylor Heithold, who works in South Carolina and Georgia. Taylor spent the past decade working as a guide all around the United States. He took the route of first going to guide school and then traveling with the seasons. Taylor is now putting this experience to use helping others to buy and sell land. This is Taylor’s journey from hunting guide to land sales.
Talk to Taylor!
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We are here with Georgia land real estate agent, Steve Chapman, and Dr. Yanshu Li of the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. Dr. Li is an associate professor of Forest Economics and Taxation and Steve Chapman is a forester with 35 years of experience, so this should give you a good idea of where the conversation is headed. We are here to discuss probably the most important part of harvesting timber and that is establishing your basis. Not establishing your timber basis is common and it can be a significant error when it comes time to harvest trees. This is the kind of episode that makes podcasts so amazing. It’s great information and you don’t even have to be a forester or timber investor to get into this stuff.
Talk with Steve Chapman about your timber!
See Dr. Yanshu Li's Research
National Timber Tax Website
Annual Timber Tax Tips for Forest Landowners
Middleburg Virginia is an equestrian paradise. Fox hunts, equestrian facilities, and incredible landscapes help to make this area of Virginia a destination for who live the equestrian lifestyle. Today we are talking about this wonderful area with National Land Realty agent, Miley Holtzman.
Contact Miley Holtzman
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Wealth management is something we all struggle with. Today, Mac Christian is sitting down with Crockett Carothers, host of The Wealthy Cowboy Podcast. Crockett's content focuses on wealth generation for the cowboy lifestyle and can be applied to anybody looking for information on the topic. Crockett is here today to discuss how he started his career, his podcast, and his insights on success and wealth for those seeking to elevate their place in life.
The Wealthy Cowboy Show
Diversified Payments
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Today is our 100th episode for the National Land Realty Podcast. We have assembled a panel of guests to discuss why we pursued careers related to the outdoors rather than a regular 9-5. Jimmy Riley, Jason Lupardus, Ryan Schroeter, and Brian Austin have all created remarkable success and they are here today to tell their story and give advice. Have you been wondering how you might pursue a career in something you are passionate about? These guests have, and they're here to share their journey.
Buy, Sell, Auction, or Lease Land
Turkeys for Tomorrow
Quest Hunt
In our last episode, we spoke with Jay Cantrell, Wildlife Biologist for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Previously we spoke with Doctor Mike Chamberlain and today, it is our privilege to learn from Doctor Sonja Christensen on the same important topic. Doctor Christiansen is a professor in the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources at Michigan State University. She is renowned for her knowledge of deer biology and was recently named to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine chronic wasting disease committee. Dr. Christensen is one of the top minds in the United States on this topic and today, she’s here to answer our questions.
Learn More About Chronic Wasting Disease Research
https://cwd-info.org/
Learn About Dr. Sonja Christensen's Work
https://www.christensen-lab.org
Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy
https://www.cidrap.umn.edu
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https://www.nationalland.com
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is something we are covering a lot on this podcast. This issue affects land owners across the United States, and the problem is very real. We have previously talked with Doctor Mike Chamberlain on the topic and have an upcoming episode with Doctor Sonja Christiansen. Today, we are talking with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Biologist, Jay Cantrell and discussing a very specific case of CWD. What happens if you transport a CWD-infected deer across state lines? You’re about to find out.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
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Mac Christian is talking again with Farmer Mac Chief Economist, Jackson Takach to discuss the current state of land as well as our current economic conditions. We meet with Jackson once per quarter to discuss land values along with commodities and various topics that we feel bring value to you listeners. We sat down this quarter to discuss the great land transfer, inflation, and the top topic of 2024 real estate, interest rates. This is an episode that you don’t want to miss.
The Feed: Farmer Mac's News, Insights, and Information Outlet
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A while back we did a podcast on solar development and how to lease your land for solar energy production. Mac Christian spoke with National Land Realty Managing Broker, Wayne Dunson. Wayne expressed a desire to know what goes on on the other side of the table when a property is under consideration for solar development. Today, we have answers to that question.
Vincent Caruso is Managing Director at Percheron, LLC. Percheron, LLC helps to develop electrical transmission, utilities, oil and gas, wind, solar, highway and rail, land surveying, environmental, title research, and acquisitions. In other words, Vincent Caroso IS the other side of the table. Vincent listened to our podcast on solar development and reached out to us because he feels the information is something we should all know. After talking to Vincent, we agree with him wholeheartedly. This is information that you should know.
Read About Percheron, LLC
Talk to Wayne Dunson About Solar Development
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Land values are high. Actually, all real estate values are the highest we have ever seen. This presents challenges for those seeking to acquire land for sale, whether for agriculture or recreation. This is especially true for those who do not have the upfront cash to acquire it. As we have discussed on this podcast, land loans are difficult to obtain. In this environment, leasing has become more and more important. Ryan Schroeter of Nebraska and Aaron Sutton of North Carolina have recognized this need. Together, they have decided to spearhead the leasing department for National Land Realty. Today, we are discussing how to lease your land, how to find land for lease, what to look for, and things to avoid with land leases. These are two of the most knowledgeable land real estate agents in the country and well worth listening to.
Talk to Ryan Schroeter
Talk to Aaron Sutton
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Spring turkey season is coming to an end, which makes today’s conversation that much more important. We are talking with the Director of Business Operations and Partnerships for Turkeys for Tomorrow, Jason Lupardus. Jason has been traveling around the country taking stock of turkey populations and harvest reports. What he has to say could potentially affect your turkey hunting for years to come, so this is worth your time.
Donate to Turkeys For Tomorrow
Buy, Sell, Lease, or Auction Land
“I want to drop everything I’m doing, live in the outdoors, and guide hunting or fishing expeditions.” There isn't an outdoors enthusiast who hasn’t thought of it. Half of you listening have probably worked as a guide at some point. For those of you who have thought about running your own outfitting business, we are here today to talk with Todd Dye. Todd is a managing broker in Idaho and he has found a niche in the facilitation of selling outfitting businesses throughout the state. Whether it’s how to buy or sell an outfitting business or what red flags to look for, we cover it here.
Talk to Todd Dye
Buy, Sell, Auction, or Lease Land
Hunt with a friend, compete against other hunters and potentially win thousands in prizes. This is the idea behind Quest Hunt. Through a simple registration process, hundreds of hunters from across the United States are registering as teams to compete for prizes given away at an exclusive banquet at the end of the hunting season. Think you have improved your hunting land to produce the biggest bucks in your state? This is how you put it to the test. Brian Austin is a National Land Realty agent in Missouri and is the brain behind Quest Hunt and he is here today to talk about it.
Check out Quest Hunt!
Talk to Brian Austin
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Land has many uses and there is no end to the possibilities that can generate income. Today, we are discussing one of those possibilities, building an RV Park. Jim Fleissener, an Accredited Land Consultant and Agent out of Nebraska is here to discuss a recent transaction that did not go as planned. Despite the hiccups, there is a ton of valuable information here for anybody who has considered alternate uses for their land to generate income.
Talk to Jim Fleissner
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The Texas panhandle, like many areas of the United States, has experienced its share of drought conditions over the years. Grazing cattle in drought conditions may seem like an insurmountable challenge, but as we are about to find out, there are ways to not only thrive but to prosper. Mike Turner manages Blue Ranch near Amarillo, Texas, and he has developed methods of high-intensity low-frequency grazing. Managing this ranch was, in Mike’s words, “A chance to do something that hadn’t been done before.” Mike Turner has a level of experience that you simply don’t find every day. He is a master of the craft. Mike is here today to discuss how he manages this highly successful ranch and trust me, this is worth listening to.
Buy, Sell, Lease, or Auction Land
Can a squatter legally take your land? How should you handle a neighbor’s fence on your land? Are old, unused easements still viable on your land? How should you give land to your kids? Today we are here with Tiffany Lashmet, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Agricultural Law. She will help us answer those questions and more. We also have today, a return visit from Wayne Dunson, Managing Broker of National Land Realty’s West Texas office. Not knowing what we talk about today could cost you money and potentially result in lost land. You will want to listen to this one.
Now sit back and enjoy.
More from Tiffany Lashmet
Contact Wayne Dunson
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It’s that wonderful time of year again. Flowers are blooming, grass is growing, turkey and bear seasons are kicking off… yes, it’s tax season. You might not think of a conversation about tax and small business software as anything that has to do with land, but our agents make up over 400 small business owners nationwide. The landowners we work with are thousands strong and a significant amount of those owners are also business owners. We had the opportunity to talk with Brad White, Chief People & Operations Officer at VARC Solutions, a Quickbooks solutions provider. As you business owners out there plan for next year's business operations, here’s one tool to consider.
Check Out VARC Solutions
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Today, we’re here to talk turkey and it’s good timing because turkey season is about to start. United States turkey populations are a hot topic with several areas showing a decline in numbers nationwide. Jason Lupardus is the Director of Business Operations and Partnerships for an organization you should know about, Turkeys for Tomorrow. Jason is here to talk about turkey conservation and what Turkeys for Tomorrow is doing to help this animal and how they can use your help.
Contact Turkeys for Tomorrow
National Land Realty
Wetlands assessments and remediation are things that most landowners don’t consider until it’s too late. The location of wetlands is not as simple as looking at your land to see if there’s water and the consequences of not knowing about wetlands on your land can be very expensive. Curt Kleist is the CEO of CK Wetlands, a consulting firm that assists with wetlands assessment, delineation, permit applications, GIS services, monitoring and mitigation, as well as tree inventory. Curt is here today to discuss what you should know about the possibility of wetlands on your land and how to avoid expensive consequences. This is something that every landowner should know about.
Contact CK Wetlands
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Commercial real estate has been a big story throughout the United States for 2023 and into 2024. News stories have fluctuated from calling commercial real estate a disaster waiting to happen to a strong market with plenty of opportunity. We want to clear up what is happening in commercial real estate, so we went to one of the best information sources available. Cory Bowes is the Director of Commercial for National Land Realty. Today, Cory brings his wealth of knowledge for commercial real estate to discuss what the market has in store for 2024. If you own land inside city limits or on the boundary of city limits, this episode should be required listening.
Talk with Cory Bowes
Buy, Sell, Auction, or Lease Land
Listen to our previous episode with Cory, discussing how you might be able to rezone your property to maximize your selling price HERE.
Alabama land real estate markets have been piping red hot over the past few years. Over the past year though, national real estate markets have cooled considerably. How has this affected Alabama? Today, we are talking with Jonathan Berryhill, of Huntsville, Alabama to answer that question. Jonathan brings us his insight on land values and whether or not he is seeing the same cooling in the market that seems to be happening throughout the United States.
Contact Jonathan Berryhill
Buy, Sell, Auction, or Lease Land
Jimmy Riley is an agent out of Louisiana and Mississippi. He is also responsible for creating one of the most successful deer habitats in Mississippi, has been a guest on several hunting TV shows, and has forgotten more than most of us will ever learn regarding land improvements for deer. He also has what is probably our favorite social media account about land sales. Today, Jimmy is talking with Mac Christian about cultivating proper buck-to-doe ratios on your land to maximize healthy population growth.
Talk with Jimmy Riley
Follow Jimmy Riley on Instagram
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Today Mac Christian sits down and talks with National Land Realty agent, Christian Hayes, out of Oklahoma City. Christian has worked in ranching, forestry, and is the owner of Hayes Land Services, LLC where he provides land management. Today we’re talking about his journey into land, snakes, and advice on seasonal preparations for your land.
Contact Christian Hayes
See Christian on Instagram
See Christian on Facebook
Buy, Sell, Lease, or Auction Land
Jackson Takach is the Chief Economist for Farmer Mac. If you have missed previous episodes, Mac Christian talks with Jackson once per quarter to ask for his insight on what we see in the land markets around the United States and what we can expect in the coming months. As one of the top minds today in agricultural economics of the United States, Jackson’s observations are something you should make the time to listen to. Today, we are talking about what we expect for the 2024 land market as well as a unique idea; the possibility of soybeans and corn to drive fuel production for industrial machinery and airliners.
Get more insights from Farmer Mac
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What is going to happen in agricultural land values in 2024? Today, we’ve got somebody who can give you insight into the year ahead.
Dr. Gary Schnitkey is a professor at the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences for Agricultural & Consumer Economics. He is also the Soybean Industry Chair in Agricultural Strategy. Dr. Schnitkey has a Ph.D., in Agricultural Economics, an M.S., in Agricultural Economics, B.S. in agricultural Finance. Dr Schnitkey is one of the United States premiere minds on agriculture economics, specifically in the Midwest. He has spent the last couple of decades educating farmers, ranchers, and academics on the economics of agriculture. As we find out in this episode, he has been speaking less lately, which makes this interview extra special.
Read about Dr. Gary Schnitkey
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Late in 2023, Zillow made headlines with the acquisition of Follow Up Boss, now rebranded as FUB. An acquisition involving $400 million in initial cash consideration and up to $100 million in potential cash earnout tends to make the news. Today, we are talking with Steve Pacinelli, Chief Marketing Officer for Follow Up Boss, about this acquisition and what it will mean for current and future customers of Follow Up Boss. This is a bit of a break from our normal routine. We are usually here to talk about land, but this is something that impacts the entire real estate industry. Is Zillow going to be using our hard-earned data for their own purposes? Is FUB going to be dismantled and cannibalized by one of the largest names in real estate? Listen and find out!
Check out Follow Up Boss/FUB
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Benjamin Franklin once stated, “Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Yes, it’s everybody’s favorite time of the year, tax season. Today, we are going to discuss how these certainties play into your land strategy as well as your life planning. Clint Flowers is a managing broker for National Land Realty and happens to be one of the most successful land real estate professionals in the United States over the past decade. Helping clients understand taxes and land ownership strategies is a huge part of his success and he is here today to help you understand how some of these strategies work.
Contact Clint Flowers
Buy, Sell, Auction, or Lease Land
Terri Jensen is one of only 14 Accredited Land Consultants in Minnesota out of an industry consisting of over eighteen thousand agents. She is a past president of the Realtor’s Land Institute, a member of various planning commissions, a former Vice President of Real Estate/Appraisal Operations, an adjunct professor for the University of Nebraska, an advisory panel member for Women in Leadership, and a highly successful managing broker. There’s more credentials in her resume but you get the idea, Terri knows what she is talking about when it comes to land real estate. Mac Christian talks with her today to talk about the ins and outs of 1031 exchanges. If you are interested in land, you’ll learn something during this interview.
Contact Terri Jensen
Buy, Sell, Auction, or Lease Land
Today Mac Christian is talking to a National Land Realty out of Oklahoma, Dillon Smith. Dillon is relatively new to land sales but don’t let that fool you. He is a fifth-generation farmer who has a passion for land. After a budding science career, Dillon went back to his agricultural roots and now helps residents of Oklahoma buy and sell farms and recreational tracts. This episode is a great insight on what it takes to make it as a land real estate agent as well as some entertaining stories from the field.
Contact Dillon Smith
Buy, Sell, Auction, or Lease Land
It’s one thing to highlight land agents with years of experience, but interviewing a new agent gives an entirely new insight into the land industry. James Liles is a new agent with National Land Realty but he is anything but new to land development. Today we are talking about his adventurous history and the adventures that await him in land sales.
Contact James Liles
Buy, Sell, Auction, or Lease Land
Ramsey Russell is a is a forester, a wildlife biologist, a graduate of Mississippi State University, and just happens to be one of the best-known personalities in the world of duck hunting. Ramsey is the owner of GetDucks.com and he answers to monikers such as “The Christopher Columbus of duck hunting” as well as “The Pied Piper of duck hunters.” Ramsey Russell has also recently signed on as an agent with National Land Realty to share his passion for duck hunting with those seeking to sell & acquire land for waterfowl hunting. Mac Christian caught up with Ramsey in the middle of his 200+ day-per-year odyssey of worldwide duck hunting for a very special Christmas Eve interview. This is a conversation about his new adventure in land.
Contact Ramsey Russell
Buy, Sell, Auction, or Lease Land
This episode is something that is personal for host, Mac Christian. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) just hit his area of the United States and it’s something he has a lot of questions about. Whether you’ve had it in your area for years or you’ve never been around it, you likely have questions as well. Dr. Michael Chamberlain is a Terrell Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources at the University of Georgia and among his many credentials, he is a field researcher for Chronic Wasting Disease. Mac Christian is here today with Dr. Chamberlain and National Land Realty agent, Steve Chapman to get as much information as possible on this topic. If you’re like our hosts and you have questions about this disease, this episode will be extremely informational.
Read about Dr. Michael Chamberlain
Contact Steve Chapman
Buy, Sell, Auction, or Lease Land
Turkey hunting is an obsession for thousands of hunters across the United States. Today Mac Christian is talking with Dr. Michael Chamberlain as well as National Land Realty agent, Steve Chapman. Dr. Michael Chamberlain is a Terrell Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. He conducts research on Wildlife Ecology and Management, Game Management, Wildlife Forest Mangement, Wildlife Population Genetics, and I can’t honestly fit all of his credentials into this intro. Steve Chapman has 35 years of experience in forestry, a B.S. in Forest Resources from the University of Georgia, is GA and SAF Registered Forester, a Coordinator for the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, and is active in the National Wild Turkey Federation. What I am trying to say here is that today’s guests are a lot smarter than most folks around the country when it comes to talking turkey.
Read About Dr. Michael Chamberlain
Contact Steve Chapman
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Timber investment is a topic that comes up a lot with land. Timber quite simply builds everything, we will never stop using it, and we will always need more of it. Some landowners make small harvests of timber for income and some use timber as a primary investment source. If you own land, you should probably be aware of the basics of timber and today we are discussing what you need to know about it. Kraig Moore is probably one of the most knowledgeable foresters in the United States working today and he is here with us today to answer all of the questions we can throw at him.
Contact Kraig Moore
Buy, Sell, Auction, or Lease Land
If you are buying or selling land, there is a decent possibility that you’ve never done it before. Even if you have, it doesn’t mean you’ve done it well. Even if you’ve been good at it, it doesn’t mean there still aren’t things to learn. Land professionals see dozens upon dozens of land sales and purchases per year and there are plenty of successes and failures along the way. Gabe Goodson is from Birmingham, Alabama, and has seen his share of land sales. He is here today to discuss some pointers for those of you looking to buy or sell land that will keep you from making mistakes as well as what will guide you towards success.
Talk to Gabe Goodson
Buy, Sell, Auction, or Lease Land
Nowadays, the conversation of solar energy is a hot-button topic. We hear from landowners constantly who are curious about the possibility of leasing their land for solar energy. Today Mac Christian is talking with Texas Land Professional, Wayne Dunson, an expert on the topic. Wayne is here today to discuss what you need to know if you are considering leasing your land for solar energy development. If solar development is something you’ve considered, this episode is for you.
Talk to Wayne Dunson about solar leasing
Buy, Sell, Lease, or Auction Land
Justin Padley is a member of the BuckVentures pro staff team. He is also the winner of a recent contest for National Land Realty based on social media sharing and posting. Justin’s prize for this award entry, a Colorado Pronghorn hunt guided by Vision Quest Guided Hunts of Trinidad, Colorado. Today Mac Christian talks with Justin about his day-to-day activities as a pro staff member, how he films his outdoor adventures, and this prize-winning hunt. This is the story of adventure and a successful hunt.
Check out Justin's adventures on social media!
Instagram: @jpad214
Check out BuckVenturew and The Outdoorsman
Buy, Sell, Lease, or Auction Land
As Veterans Day approaches, the timing couldn't be more opportune for the insightful discussion we have in store. Leading this conversation is Cory Bowes, the Director of Commercial for National Land Realty, whose extensive 15-year tenure as a law enforcement officer fuels his passion for supporting first responders. In today's dialogue, we delve into the invaluable, transferable skills that first responders acquire over the course of their careers, particularly those that pave the way for success in diverse fields such as real estate.
Our aim is to shed light on the remarkable strengths cultivated by professionals in service-related roles, whether they be soldiers or teachers, and to explore how these skills seamlessly transition into thriving careers in the private sector.
Contact Cory Bowes
Buy, Sell, Lease, or Auction Land
We are well into duck hunting season around the United States. Each season starts conversations about purchasing land for the purpose of hunting. Josh Pelletier happens to be a land improvement specialist with a knack for developing duck-hunting properties. You may not be on the market for a full-on impoundment, but that doesn’t mean that your own private duck-hunting oasis is out of reach. Josh is here today to discuss some tips for those of you who are serious about your search for duck hunting-specific properties.
Contact Josh Pelletier
Buy, Sell, Lease, or Auction Land
It’s not every day that your boss gets to sit you down in front of an audience and let you validate your existence. Today is that day. In this episode, the CEO of National Land Realty gets to ask me anything on his mind about how we do things at National Land Realty. Ronnie Richardson is today’s host and he has worked with land real estate long enough to have sold properties in the original 13 colonies… “I’m probably getting fired for that comment but it was worth it.”
Ronnie is one of the best land agents in the country and today he gets to ask me what the heck we do for our agents. If you’re an agent and you want to know how companies like National Land Realty work, or if you are a land owner and you are curious how land agents market your property, this episode is for you.
Buy, Sell, Lease, and Auction Land
Jackson Takach is the Chief Economist and Head of Strategy, Research, and Analytics at Farmer Mac. Today Mac Christian is talking with Jackson about the current market for land real estate as well as technology advancements in land. Are you curious about interest rates or the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel and their impacts on farmland, ranch land, and recreational or hunting land? Want to know what the future holds for technology in land evaluation and agricultural efficiency? If so, this episode is exactly what you are looking for.
Read more from Jackson Takach and his team at Farmer Mac
Buy, Sell, or Lease Land
Today Mac Christian is talking with the crew from Buckventures! Cole Cannon, Jeff Danker, and Daniel McVay are here and we are tackling a controversial topic, shot placement and hunt ethics. Now, we have to put a disclaimer on this, because there is no shortage of opinion on this topic. Shot placement and hunting ethics are personal standards that hunters must put on themselves. It’s a line that you draw personally and we aren’t judging anybody else’s standards. We are discussing our own standards here and it’s a line we have all established for ourselves. However, make sure to find National Land Realty’s social media post on this podcast to chip in on this conversation, we’d love to hear your opinion. Also in this podcast, we discuss charitable causes and volunteer efforts that the Buckventures team are engaged in. That is something with absolutely zero controversy, the team is doing amazing work with kids. There’s a lot of great content here.
Watch BuckVentures
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IRS Tax Code 180 is an often overlooked part of the United States tax code. This tax code allows for the depreciation of excess fertility in farm soil and it is something that should be considered by any rural land owner, especially buyers. Today Mac Christian talks with an expert on the topic, Alec Bean. Alec Bean, in addition to being a land real estate agent, is the owner and operator of Agricultural Soil Management. Agricultural Soil Management or ASM, helps landowners manage their soil and specializes in helping landowners navigate IRS Tax Code 180. So if you are interested in something that could save you thousands of dollars, this episode is for you.
Contact Agricultural Soil Management (ASM)
Contact Alec Bean
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Florida has seen one of the largest real estate growth spurts in the United States over the past few years. Today, Mac Christian talks with Florida Managing Broker, Justus Koester about that market as well as his unique experiences in the Florida land market. Today we discuss what it is like to switch careers into land real estate, the overall Florida markets including commercial, and a unique sale involving a green cemetery (Trust us, the story is worth it).
Contact Justus Koester
Buy, Sell, Auction, or Lease Land
Real estate agents, once licensed, can work on a variety of transactions. Those transactions may be commercial, residential, agricultural, or merely just land. The differences between those specializations are drastic and there are numerous credentials that solidify the specialty of a real estate agent. While National Land Realty has a highly successful commercial division, we are here today to talk more about rural land, or as we call it, land professionals. What makes a land professional different than a residential real estate agent besides the name? We are here to today to talk with Texas land professional, Wayne Dunson about exactly that. Wayne actually works with both residential and rural land real estate which provides terrific insight on the differences between the two.
Contact Wayne Dunson
Buy, Sell, Lease, or Auction Land
People who work hard and find success often get labeled as lucky. It’s easy to become jealous of those who are successful because it is hard to quantify exactly what effort it took for that individual to find success. Today we are talking with three successful land real estate agents who have worked hard to get there. Part of that work is the Accredited Land Consultant designation, which requires a plane trip, several days of coursework, and countless study hours. Ashley McCraney, Jim Fleissner, and Nicholas Ardis attended the Real Estate Land Institute’s ALC training as well as the APEX awards. Here’s the thing, they did not expect that one of them, Ashley McCraney, would win one of the most prestigious awards of the evening. Ashley was awarded as APEX 2022 National Broker of the Year in Agribusiness Sales by the REALTORS® Land Institute. This is a story of hard work from people who are doing it. This is a story of success. Don’t call these people lucky.
Contact Ashley McCraney (Alabama Agent)
Contact Nicholas Ardis (South Carolina Agent)
Contact Jim Fleissner (Nebraska Agent)
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IRS Section 1031 is one of the most powerful exceptions in the IRS tax code for landowners. This exception allows the postponement of tax on the gains created from the proceeds of land or investment property if the proceeds are reinvested in a similar land or investment property. David Gorenberg is the Director of Education for Accruit, a 1031 exchange intermediary. David has made a career out of building 1031 exchange programs and providing 1031 education for more than 30 years, which makes him one of the leading experts on 1031 exchanges in the United States. Today, Mac Christian talks with David in-depth about 1031 exchanges when to use them, when not to, the politics around 1031 exchanges, and how they can benefit landowners. Disclaimer: This is one of our longer episodes. I completely lost track of time because this is absolutely fascinating information and this runs over an hour. Don’t let that distract you, this episode is full of EXTREMELY valuable information for landowners. Do not miss this.
Learn More About 1031 Exchanges
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“Shoot by Sight, Walk by Faith”: This is the motto of today’s guests. Jeff Danker, Daniel McVay, and Cole Cannon are the orchestrators of BuckVentures Outdoors and they live this motto each and every day. Their show, BuckVentures can be seen on the Outdoor Channel, MyOutdoorTV, and News 9 PLUS in Oklahoma. The Woodsman, another show created by the BuckVentures Outdoors team, can be seen on MyOutdoorTV. The team has also recently released Between the Brows, a podcast about outdoor pursuits, real-life issues, and current events. Today Mac Christian is talking with Jeff, Daniel, and Cole about land, real estate, hunting, and how their outdoor pursuits and faith came together to create a media powerhouse.
Check out BuckVentures Outdoors
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Hunting season is almost here and we are here to talk about hunting land. Owners of hunting land, newly acquired or family heirloom acreage, work to improve hunting land year-round. Food plots have been planted, clearings created, cover scanned, and trail cams have been hung in strategic areas. It’s an exciting time of the year for all of you, but it can be anxiety-inducing for the other folks out there who have been too busy to get out and make land improvements to hunting land. We have tips today for all of you.
Today Mac Christian is talking to Jay Cassels. Jay Cassels served for eight years as a Green Beret in the United States Army Special Forces, holds a bachelor’s degree in management information systems, a master’s in telecommunications, is president of the Eastern Oklahoma branch of the National Deer Association, is a land certification inspector, a certified deer steward I and II, owner of the first legacy property in Oklahoma, and holds Accredited Land Consultant designation from the Realtors Land Institute. Needless to say, Jay Cassels is somebody you want to listen to if you have any kind of questions on whitetail deer hunting properties.
Contact Jay Cassels
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Soybeans are the largest United States agricultural export. The United States is second to only Brazil on the world stage as being the highest producer of soybeans. In 2022, the United States exported 57 million tons of soybeans valued at $34.37 billion throughout the world. These amazing numbers are just a small piece of what Mac Christian covers today with Charles Hall, Executive Director of the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association. In this episode of the National Land Realty Podcast, we introduce listeners to this amazing commodity, how it is used, where it grows, and how organizations like the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association advocate for agricultural producers on a daily basis.
Visit the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association
Buy, Sell, Lease, and Auction Land
Today we are talking about a revolutionary piece of technology for land sales, Land Tour 360®. This is a piece of technology developed by National Land Realty so it’s a bit of a plug. Don’t let that fool you though, this is a game changer for selling land. Land Tour 360® gives you the ability to tour land, whatever the size, from the sky, in a true interactive experience, and it’s free for National Land Realty clients. Land Tour 360® enables viewers to view a 3d image of your land, zoom in to points of interest, and even zoom to walkthroughs of buildings on that land. This gives prospective buyers the ability to tour the land before their boots ever touch the ground. In some cases, we have even seen buyers make the purchase without ever even seeing the property in person. Today we are talking to Jeff Phelps, the director of all things Land Tour 360® to get the ins and outs of this technology.
Find out more about Land Tour 360®
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Interest rates have jumped up again and they have impacted land sales. This is the latest in a series of interest rate increases that started in March of 2022 and it has resulted in a shock reaction within real estate markets. With interest rates hovering around zero for the past few years, these increases have created a confusing environment for land buyers and sellers.
Today, Mac Christian is talking with Jackson Takach, Chief Economist at The Federal Agricultural Mortage Corporation, or as you probably know it, Farmer Mac. This is the federal organization that serves as the secondary market for agricultural land owners to obtain loans. This also means we are talking with one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the United States on the topic of interest rate impact on land.
Read more from Jackson Takach and his team at Farmer Mac
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Using auctions to sell land is a concept that has been around for thousands of years. Land auctions have existed in the United States since before we were united and states were a distant dream. Nowadays the word auction can make a reader feel inspired, feel competitive, get their pocketbook ready, or some assume it’s a fire sale on an underwater or overleveraged property. Those interpretations tend to be geographical in the United States. Whatever the viewpoint, Mac Christian is here today with Jeramy Stephens to discuss everything you need to know about land auctions. Jeramy is an award-winning thought leader, land professional, and the head of National Land Realty’s auction program. In other words, there’s not a better person in the country to teach you about land auctions.
Talk with Jeramy today about land auctions!
Buy, Sell, or Lease Land
Sweet Apple Farms has been featured in the Wall Street Journal as one of the most luxurious and unique properties in Alabama. This 3,768-acre property contains a gorgeous 10-bedroom main lodge, 25+ lakes, six cabins, several barns, grain bins, a smokehouse, a clay course, trophy fishing, duck, quail, turkeys, and some truly monstrous whitetail deer. Almost every square inch of this property looks like it came straight from a poster. Today we are talking with National Land Realty land professional, Clint Flowers, who is working with land professional Forrest During on the sale of this magnificent property. Clint gives us insights on Sweet Apple Farms as well as how professionals like himself and Forrest During sell luxury listings such as this.
View Sweet Apple Farms!
Talk to Clint Flowers (Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi Land Broker)
Talk to Forrest During (Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi Land Broker)
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Land transactions, whether you are a buyer or seller, can be extremely complicated. What is uncovered during due diligence might unravel a deal, so it is important to do as much research as humanly possible upfront. Sometimes complications are not uncovered until a land real estate deal is underway and if this happens, it matters when you have a knowledgeable agent to help you along. We are calling this segment Land Chronicles; discussing specific sales that could help you on your land buying, selling, or leasing journey. This is the case of “Buying the Farm, and the Tenant.” Ryan Schroeter is an award-winning managing broker from Nebraska and he is here to tell the story of a land purchase that went right but could have gone very wrong.
Talk with Ryan Shroeter about land
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Experience counts when it comes to land management. Land improvements take time and it takes a lot of knowledge to understand what will work and what won’t in the years to come. Today Mac Christian is talking with Jimmy Riley, Hunting Club Manager of Giles Island for 27 years and now an agent with us at National Land Realty. For those of you who are not familiar with Giles Island, it is the premier hunting destination of Mississippi and one of the top pieces of hunting land in the United States. Our friend Jimmy is responsible for what this island is today. He is here to tell the story of developing Giles Island and to share his knowledge gained over 27 years of land management.
Talk with Jimmy Riley about land sales!
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With recent rulings on wetlands classification for landowners, questions keep coming in about environmental impact regulations and permits. Today we are talking with experts on the topic, James Mason & Wade Biltoft from Three Oaks Engineering out of North Carolina and South Carolina. James and Wade’s work with Three Oaks Engineering gives them insight into the possible complications that come with environmental regulations on private land and how to deal with those complications. They are here to tell us steps we can take to make sure our land improvements go as smoothly as possible.
Three Oaks Engineering
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Buying poultry farms and selling poultry farms is Ashley McCraney’s specialty. This National Land Realty agent was awarded the APEX 2022 National Broker of the Year in Agribusiness Sales by the REALTORS® Land Institute for a reason, she’s very good at what she does. She a top producer of agricultural land sales specializing in poultry as well being as a chicken farmer herself. Today Mac Christian is talking with Ashley McCraney about what it takes to run a poultry farm, how to raise chickens, and even how she has helped new farmers start a chicken farm. Ashley helps clients buy chicken farms and sell chicken farms and she’s here today to give you some of her knowledge.
Contact Ashley McCraney
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Scott L. Baier is a Professor and Chair at Clemson University’s Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business. Scott has worked as an advisor to the White House, a scholar for the Atlanta Federal Reserve, a consultant for the Congressional Budget Office, and has received numerous awards for his research including “best paper” and “best article” awards from academic journals. His focus is on international trade and economic growth and development. Scott is here today to discuss the outlook of the United States economy, inflation, the debt ceiling, and even social media. If you have questions about where we might be headed economically as a country, this episode is for you.
Read about Scott Baier
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If pay attention to real estate news right now you are going to hear a few common trends such as interest rate increases, risk in the existing commercial market, Elon Musk talking about the risk in the residential market, and midwest land values. Many buyers and sellers are sitting on the sideline. Doom and gloom sells, but is it accurate? We at National Land Realty are seeing strong markets across the nation without any strong corrections from a brokerage perspective in rural land as well as commercial development. However, as a brokerage, we may not be seeing the whole picture. Today Mac Christian is talking with Spencer Floyd from AgSouth Farm Credit out of South Carolina. Spencer specializes in rural land and farm lending, which makes him an excellent source to have this conversation with. Are we in trouble? Is the land real estate world falling apart around us? Listen and find out.
AgSouth Farm Credit AgSouth is a terrific partner for landowners in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia
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On November 9th, 2019, National Land Realty announced a new president, Jason Burbage. Jason worked with National Land Realty for 15 years and is a founder of the company. His tenure saw a company start from small roots in South Carolina and grow to a national brand. In April of 2023, Jason made the difficult decision to move on from the company he started to pursue other life goals. I consider Jason a friend and couldn’t be more excited about what he does next. Every change in life brings new and exciting opportunities. On April 25th 2023, National Land Announced a new leader in CEO, Ronnie Richardson. Ronnie started in land real estate in 1991 and has never stopped. Ronnie is one of the most successful brokers in the history of National Land Realty and one of the most successful land professionals in the country. He has been responsible for the recruitment of countless agents and now, he takes the helm of one of the largest land companies in the country. Ronnie is here today to discuss what brought him here and give insights on the land outlook for 2023 and beyond. This is an opportunity to gain incredible information from one of the most experienced land professionals you’ll ever meet.
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Not every story we tell can be about land management. Today we are taking a long flight to Siberia with National Land President, Aaron Graham, to hunt a bear. Aaron Graham has captained a national champion college football team, played in the NFL, and co-founded one of the most successful land companies in the United States. He also took a trip of a lifetime, escaped death, and hunted Siberian brown bear. For those listeners who enjoy tales of hunting, we are about to go on one heck of an adventure.
Buy, sell, or lease land at nationalland.com
Owning a duck impoundment is on the bucket list for every serious duck hunter. Buying a duck impoundment or building one is an enormous undertaking and an investment that can pay dividends for generations if done correctly. If you have ever wanted to buy or build a duck impoundment, we have three experts here today to tell you everything you need to know about it. Mac Christian talks with North Carolina land professionals Matthew Eakes, Jacob Lyle, and Aaron Sutton. Matthew Eakes and Jacob Lyle are not only land professionals with National Land Realty but are also highly experienced specialists in the building and management of Duck Impoundments. Aaron Sutton is an award-winning managing broker and a land professional who has sold and consulted on the acquisition of dozens of duck impoundments over his career. In other words, this is a massive amount of information useful for any outdoor enthusiast from some of the best minds in the country on land.
Matthew Eakes
National Land Realty: Real Estate Contact
Whispering Woods Consulting, LLC: Follow on Facebook
252-542-9160
Jacob Lyle
National Land Realty: Real Estate Contact
Wildflow Land & Wildlife Management: Website
919-818-4388
Aaron Sutton: Real Estate Contact
Invite Aaron to go duck hunting!
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Sometimes you have to toot your own horn. This past year National Land Realty took stock of the performance and culture of our 90-plus offices and chose to award the office that we felt exemplified National Land Realty. Today Mac Christian talks with Aaron Sutton, the managing broker of our Kinston, North Carolina office and the recipient of this “Office of the Year” award. This is a conversation about workplace leadership that holds value for aspiring brokers, agents, and potential clients. This is the type of office you want to work for as an agent, the type of leader should aspire to be as a broker, and the type of culture you want to work with as a client.
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Land Real Estate Agents are what drive the business for land companies like National Land Realty. We are talking today with Logan Eaton, Executive Vice President of Sales at National Land Realty. Logan discusses finding a great land real estate agent when he is looking to recruit quality agents as well as some best practices and technology used in land real estate. Logan’s process for finding a great agent is identical to what a land owner or land buyer should be looking for when they are trying to find a professional to work with. This episode is valuable for professionals looking to make a change in career as well as those trying to find the right agent to work with.
Read: How to Become a Land Broker by Logan Eaton
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Land holds value as a location for a home, a business, a place to get outdoors to hunt and fish, or a place to grow food. The ways that land can generate income are endless. Some of the uses for land that generate income are little known such as solar leasing, wind farms, precious minerals, and commercial development. This is where Craig Kaiser comes in with his company, Landgate. Today Mac Christian and Craig Kaiser discuss how Landgate uncovers the hidden value of your land and sets you up with a network of eager potential investors and land professionals. In a world of hard-to-find information for land use, Landgate is an unparalleled equalizer.
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Buying land and building a home on it is a dream that we all talk about. There is a lot of land for sale in the United States, but how do you know if that land is right to build on? Today Mac Christian talks with Mathew Sterchi, Vice-President of Sales & Marketing for Stonemill Log & Timber Homes. Mathew grew up in this industry and there isn’t much that he doesn’t know about site selection and log home building. Mathew is here today to tell you what to know when buying land to build on.
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In this episode, Mac Christian talks with land professional Nicholas Ardis from South Carolina. Nicholas has a background in global finance and it has paid dividends in the level of knowledge he can provide clients. Nicholas is here to discuss simple land improvements that landowners should make to maximize the value of their land. These improvements can be made whether you are selling your land or holding it for your own enjoyment.
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In this episode, Mac Christian talks with land professionals Jack Gabriel and Greg Clearman. These two have started working together on land real estate deals and cover territories in Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Tennessee. The approach of working as a team is not new to real estate, but it is not commonly seen in rural land. Jack and Greg are highly successful and their listings contain some of the most prestigious recreational tracts that can be found in the United States today. They give their insight on working together and useful information for buyers and sellers in today’s market.
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In this episode, Mac Christian talks with land professional, Drew Arnold from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Drew has worked as a wildlife biologist for both private companies and public organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences as well as a Master of Science in Wildlife, Aquatic, and Wildlands Science and Management. His passion is upland game birds, particularly quail. Drew is here to tell you what you need to know about quail habitat management.
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In this episode, Mac Christian talks with land professional, Cory Bowes from Raleigh, North Carolina. Cory is an expert in commercial development and land sales with over 15 years of experience. He’s to talk about an issue that many landowners face and an option that many aren’t aware of, which is the option of rezoning their land. We all know that land holds value but rezoning land presents a possibility of greatly increasing the value of that land. Cory provides a masterclass on what the process of rezoning looks like and how you can benefit from investigating the zoning of your land.
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In this episode, I’m talking with land professional, Jason Miller from Jackson, Mississippi. Jason also happens to be an award-winning television producer and has created television shows for NBC Sports, ESPN, Discovery Channel, A&E, National Geographic, The Sportsman Channel, Outdoor Channel, and My Outdoor TV. What that means is that Jason knows his stuff when it comes to photography and video production. When selling your land, you need to capture the attention of prospective buyers. The single most effective way to do this is through quality photography, video, and National Land Realty’s Land Tour 360 technology. As an expert, Jason Miller walks us through this process of how to tell the visual story of land. Contact Jason Miller
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In this episode, Mac Christian talks with estate planning specialist Justin Plummer from The Law Offices of Cheryl David in Greensboro, North Carolina. Justin has multiple degrees in pre-law and psychology from Appalachian State University as well as a Juris Doctorate from the Appalachian School of Law in Virginia. Justin started his career in real estate law and now works exclusively with estate planning… which of course encompasses real estate as you will hear. Land is something we don’t just own, it becomes part of our soul. Justin has dedicated his life to making sure that his clients are able to hand down the things they love to the people they love, and that includes their land.
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In this episode, Mac Christian talks with Trey McCallie out of Lexington, Kentucky. We discuss what land professionals bring to the table and why you want to work with one. Land professionals, land agents, or any other name you might hear are specialists who work with land as opposed to residential real estate. These specialists come from a variety of backgrounds and their focus on land, whether it be recreational, hunting tracts, farms, or ranches is indispensable to land owners or prospective buyers. We give you some insight on how they work.
Contact Trey McCallie in Lexington, Kentucky
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In this episode, Mac Christian talks with Micah Ehling, out of Pittsburg, Kansas. Micah joined National Land Realty in 2022 with 20 years of land improvement consultancy experience, and oh yeah, 20 years of paramedic experience including 9 years as a flight medic. Needless to say, with his experience, Micah understands how important it is to maintain good relationships when it comes to land. Land buyers and sellers should find land professionals who aren’t out to just make a sale. The value that a land professional brings to the table goes well beyond the sale and we’re here to talk about it.
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In this episode, Mac Christian talks with the President of National Land Realty, Jason Burbage. Most of our shows focus on land improvements, the things we do to change the land to suit our needs. This discussion takes a different approach. Land has a profound impact on us. It can strengthen us, guide us, and it can shape us. Jason Burbage has been profoundly influenced by his relationship with land. Born with a complication that affected his hands, he has turned what could have been a defeat into a strength. Much of this is due to his own perseverance and his upbringing, but as you will hear, the land around him has helped guide his journey.
Read: "How to Find Purpose in the Hand You're Dealt," by Jason Burbage
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In this episode, we will be telling the story of selling an 8,000-acre island. Roper Island, in Hyde County North Carolina is the largest acreage ever sold by National Land Realty and we will be talking with Aaron Sutton, the land professional who helped make it happen. Aaron is truly one of the best in the business throughout the United States and land this large will present a challenge for everybody, especially when dealing with Conservation Easements. This episode will help anybody who is looking to buy or sell a large piece of land, especially if a Conservation Easement or 1031 Exchange is involved.
See Roper Island
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In this episode, Mac Christian will be talking spot and stalk vs. treestand hunting with Land Professional Ryan Harris, based out of National Land Realty’s Little Rock, Arkansas office. Ryan has a lifetime of experience in the outdoors and uses the lessons handed down through the generations in his family. He is a part-time taxidermist with his company, Bonehead Taxidermy in addition to his career as a land professional, and he is a member of the Quality Deer Management Association. This episode is a break from talking purely about land and man, sometimes it’s just good to chat about the experience of the hunt.
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In this episode, we will be talking with Land Professional Wayne Dunson out in West Texas. Wayne has had a problem that many people have and that problem is a surplus of predators on his land. Wayne is an experienced Land Professional, but sometimes the land can throw you a curveball. For Wayne, that curveball came in the form of Coyotes. Through trial and error, research, and good old hard work Wayne has learned how to manage his predators with traps, snares, and various techniques for both. Not only is Wayne Dunson a wonderful storyteller, but his lessons will help you with your own predator problems.Contact Wayne DunsonLearn more about the buying and selling of land
In this episode, we will be talking with Land Professional Jonathan Stevens, of Madison Mississippi, about managing land for wild game habitat. Land management and real estate have been in Jonathan’s blood from the start. He has worked in real estate for 10 years, manages his family’s 5,000-acre property, and is a graduate of Mississippi State University in real estate finance. Jonathan brings his knowledge and his experience in managing land to this conversation on how to improve land for deer, turkeys, and other wild game animals. Contact Jonathan StevensLearn more about the buying and selling of land
In this episode, we will be talking with Dr. Gary Schnitkey of the University of Illinois, about land values in 2023 and what has been influencing those values. This is an incredibly valuable conversation and a level of insight that is hard to find anywhere else. Dr. Schnitkey is renowned far and wide for his knowledge, so this is a real privilege.
Read more about Dr. Gary Schnitkey: Click Here
To learn more about the buying and selling of land: Click Here
In this episode, Mac Christian talks about land improvements for quail hunting with Brandon Fowler, a land professional with National Land Realty from Montgomery, Alabama. Brandon has been guiding quail hunts for the last decade as well as cultivating quail habitat and consulting those that wish to improve their land for quail hunting. We dive into what to do, what not to do, the tools you need, and the timeline involved in improving land for quail hunting. So if you love quail, this episode is for you.
Reach out to Brandon Fowler: Click Here
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Mac Christian talks with Greg Christensen, who works for a brand you’ve probably heard of, that would be John Deere. Greg has been with John Deere for over 20 years and he is here to answer the question, "What size tractor do I need?" As you can probably imagine, the answer to that question is expansive and Greg breaks it down so that anybody can understand what they need to know before selecting their next tractor.
John Deere Website: Click Here
Utility Tractor Product Selector: Click Here
Compact Tractor Product Selector: Click Here
Learn more about the buying and selling of land: National Land Realty Website
In this episode, Mac Christian talks with Gabe Goodson out of Birmingham, Alabama. Gabe is a land agent for National Land Realty, he has a love for duck hunting, and he has been able to merge those two things into one fantastic career. Gabe regularly consults landowners on land improvements to increase the value and usability of their land, and picking out tracts that can cater to duck hunting is a specialty of his. Gabe sat down with me to talk about what you need to look for if you want to have your own private duck hunting property.
Contact Gabe Goodson: Click Here
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In this episode, Mac Christian talks with Jack Gabriel out of Jackson, Mississippi, and licensed in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Jack has a decade of experience in land and is a lifelong outdoorsman. He is here to share his knowledge about government programs through the USDA that can pay you to help in making improvements to your land, but that’s not all. Like always, we go where the conversation takes us and it always involves land. There’s a lot of information here and Jack is as knowledgeable as they come.
Contact Jack Gabriel: Click Here
Learn more about the buying and selling of land: https://nationalland.com/
USDA Farm Service Agency: Click Here
Natural Resources Conservation Services: Click Here
In this episode, Mac Christian will be discussing everything land owners need to know about metal and steel pole barn buildings with Dan Nyberg of Morton Buildings. Now, we never expected to talk for over an hour about pole barn buildings, but this interview was extremely informative. The information we cover is extensive and valuable if you are trying to learn more about pole barn construction. Dan has been with Morton Buildings for over 30 years and he knows everything there is to know about this type of construction. We review prices, build types, paint, and warranties on Morton products as well as competitor products.
For information on Morton Buildings, Click Here
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In this episode, Mac Christian will be talking with Ben Stern, the owner and founder of Tactacam. We really do a deep dive here and you should be able to learn everything you need to know about Tactacam. This is one of those rare products that is simple, easy to use, and an absolute quality product. Tactacam makes cameras that mount directly to bows and firearms and cell phone cameras for trail cam use. They have eliminated the need to pull SD cards from trail-mounted cameras in the field.
Tactacam: Company Website
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In this episode, Mac Christian will be talking about hunting land improvement with Dr. Grant Woods of growingdeer.tv. In some circles, Grant is known as Dr. Deer, a name that is well-earned. He might be one of the most knowledgeable people on the planet on deer science and specializes in land improvements for deer habitat. Grant is here to discuss his next venture after selling his famous hunting property, The Proving Grounds.
To watch growingdeer.tv, click here.
To learn more about the buying and selling of land, go to nationalland.com
In this episode, we will be talking with Todd Williams of OnX Maps. Todd is leading the effort for OnX to get the word out on the applications possibilities for private land use. Most outdoorsmen are familiar with OnX and its use for public land hunts West of the Mississippi, but many don’t know how valuable this app is for private land. We will be discussing that today.
For more on OnX: https://www.onxmaps.com/
For more on the buying and selling of land: https://nationalland.com/
In this episode, we will be talking about lake and pond management with David Riedl of Solitude Lake Management. Solitude Lake Management is a national company that specializes in lake, pond, and fishery management as well as water testing and restoration, erosion management, and sediment removal. Essentially, if you have questions about stillwater on your property, this company has the answers. David Riedl earned his Bachelor of Environmental Science in 2009 and has been working in water resource management for the past 13 years. If you want to learn about lake or pond management, David is as knowledgeable as they come.
If you have a lake of pond on your property, check out this company to make it the best it can be!
Solitude Lake Management: https://www.solitudelakemanagement.com/
For more information on land, visit, https://nationalland.com
Jason Burbage is the quintessential transformational leader with over 20 years of experience in real estate and land sales. He is now president of National Land Realty and has helped to position it as one of the fastest growing land companies in the United States. I’ve introduced him before on this podcast, so I’ll dedicate the majority of this intro to our other guest, Craig King.
Craig King is the fourth-generation president of J. P. King Auction Company, where he has over 35 years of real estate and auction experience. He is a past president of the Auction Marketing Institute (Certified Auctioneers Institute) and has served as AMI’s representative on the Board of the National Auctioneers Association and on the Auction Committee of the National Association of Realtors.
Craig is often a spokesman for the auction industry and has been featured on many news programs and has been interviewed by the nation’s leading newspapers and trade publications. He is also a past president of his state Auctioneers Association and is a past director of the National Auctioneers Foundation. Craig currently serves on the board of directors of the Alabama chapter of the Realtors Land Institute, and has been inducted into the National Auctioneers Association and the Alabama Association of Auctioneers Halls of Fame.
Learn more at National Land Realty: https://nationalland.com/ Learn more about J.P. King Auction Company: https://www.jpking.com/
Today’s episode will cover part 2 of our discussion on agricultural farmland from the perspective of buying or selling it as well as current marketing conditions for agricultural land. Our guest, Ryan Schroeter, is a Land Professional from Omaha, Nebraska, and he has decades of experience in land real estate and a lifetime of agriculture knowledge. Ryan has been hunting, fishing, and farming since he could walk. He is an Accredited Land Consultant through the Realtors® Land Institute and his focus is on agricultural land sales.
Learn more about Ryan Schroeter here: https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/ryan-schroeter
Today’s episode will cover agricultural farmland from the perspective of buying or selling it as well as current marketing conditions for agricultural land. Our guest, Ryan Schroeter, is a Land Professional from Omaha, Nebraska, and he has decades of experience in land real estate and a lifetime of agriculture knowledge. Ryan has been hunting, fishing and farming since he could walk. He is an Accredited Land Consultant through the Realtors Land Institute and his focus is on agricultural land sales.
Learn more about Ryan Schroeter here: https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/ryan-schroeter
Today’s episode is a discussion about how to find the right real estate agent for land, or as we call them, land professionals. We will be talking with Land Professional, Todd Dye, from Southeast Idaho, who has 20 years of experience in real estate and over a decade of land sales. This discussion will give you pointers on what makes a great land professional and some red flags to look for when choosing to work with somebody on what could be the largest investment you’ll ever make.
Learn more about Todd Dye: https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/todd-dye
See land offered by National Land Realty: https://nationalland.com/
Today’s episode is a discussion revolving around commercial development in rural communities with National Land Realty Land Professional, Angeliina Lawson, from Kansas City, Missouri. In this discussion we cover the benefits and pitfalls of rural communities for commercial ventures. We walk through how to overcome some of the challenges of commercial development as well as the cultural dynamics commonly seen in these communities.
Angeliina Lawson, in addition to working as a land professional, is a registered lobbyist, a former elected official, and is actively involved in the writing of legislation that protects landowners. She has a background in psychology and that experience is evident because she approaches these possible cultural issues from all sides and has a true understanding of the interactions between commercial entities and rural communities.
Learn more about Angeliina here: https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/angeliina-lawson
Today’s episode is part two of our two-part series with Jason Burbage, President of National Land Realty. In part one, we discussed a bit about the history of National Land Realty and how a different kind of land company was built. How a company started with a CEO sleeping on the floor of a tiny office to a 1.5 billion dollar national company. This episode focuses on the shape of the land industry, what the current economic environment looks like for the buying and selling of land, and what is in store for the future of the land industry.
Again, this is a chance to gain insight from one of the best minds in the business, and one of the more inspirational leaders you will come across.
Today is a bit of a treat. I have as a guest, Jason Burbage, president of National Land Realty. Jason is one of the founders of the company and we discuss how it all started, the things that set National Land Realty Apart, the land industry as a whole, and what is coming down the road in our market.
This is a chance to gain insight from one of the best minds in the business, and one of the more inspirational leaders you will come across. This interview did run a little bit long so this interview has been broken into two parts for your listening convenience.
Our guest today is Aaron Sutton, a managing broker in both Kinston, North Carolina, and Virginia Beach, Virginia. Aaron has worked in real estate for 13 years and has continuously been one of the top producing land professionals in the country. He is one of those lucky few whose profession and his hobbies are the same things. Aaron loves the outdoors and has immense knowledge of all things land.
Contact Aaron Sutton: https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/aaron-sutton
Read More How to Lease Your Land for Hunting: https://nationalland.com/blog/how-to-lease-your-land-for-hunting/
Our guest today is Warren Peters out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Warren has over 50 years of experience in forestry. He started cruising timberland with his father when he was just 14 years old and all these years later Warren still loves working with trees. Warren earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Louisiana State University in 1981. He is a licensed Broker in both Louisiana and Mississippi, a Registered Forester, holds the ACF designation as a member of the Association of Consulting Foresters, and is a State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. This man carries immense knowledge about timber so when he talks, it’s best to listen.
Contact Warren: https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/warren-peters
Today our topic will be inherited land, where we will learn about the complexities of inheritance and how best to deal with these types of situations from the perspective of a buyer or seller. Our guest today is land professional, Cailein Campbell, out of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Cailein formerly served in the Navy and is a lifelong resident of North Carolina. He graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and is one of the few agents in North Carolina to be awarded with the designation of Accredited Land Consultant. He is a lifelong hunter and outdoorsman and for him, land management is a way of life.
Cailein Campbell bio: https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/cailein-campbell
National Land Podcast: Episode 05
Today our topic will be land financing, where we will learn about how exactly the process of buying land with a lender works. Land Line Lending President, Jeramy Stephens and Client Care Coordinator Susan Floyd.
Jeramy hails from Little Rock Arkansas and is an accredited land consultant, accredited by the Realtors Land Institute, a past president of the Realtors Land Institute (RLI), is a past education committee chair, and Arkansas chapter president for RLI. He has over 20 years of experience in real estate, is a 3-time Agent of the Year with his former real estate company, a Realtors Land Institute top producer from 2017 - 2020, and National Land Realty’s top producer in Arkansas from 2016 - 2020. He has a BS in agricultural business from Arkansas State University. He loves working with duck hunting properties, timberland, and commercial development.
Susan Floyd, is a graduate of Clemson University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Management. Before working with Land Line Lending, she served as the Director of Marketing for National Land Realty where she started in 2008 and eventually earned the distinction of Chief Operations Officer before moving to Land Line.
Learn more here: Land Line Lending: https://landlinelending.com
National Land Podcast: Episode 04
In this episode we will be discussing Poultry Farms, how they work, and how they are purchased.
Land Professional National Land Realty land professional John Alumbaugh has 17 years of experience working specifically with poultry real estate in Mississippi. John grew up around agriculture and earned his master’s degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is an unparalleled expert on the topic of poultry farms.
Read the articles here:
https://nationalland.com/blog/poultry-houses-solid-wall-or-curtain/
https://nationalland.com/blog/growing-chickens-for-a-living/
https://nationalland.com/blog/broiler-farms-vs-breeder-farms/
John Alumbaugh Bio: https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/john-alumbaugh
National Land Podcast: Episode 03
In this episode we will be discussing the newly reintroduced elk population and the draw hunt associated with them.
Land Professional Alec Wardenburg is a proud member of the Missouri Army National Guard and a graduate of the University of Missouri with a bachelor's degree in agribusiness management and a minor in plant sciences and military science. Alec is an avid outdoorsman and his familiarity with the Peck Ranch Conservation Area makes him a reliable source on Missouri's elk population, currently residing on the Ranch. Tune in and find out how the hunt works and what it is like to hunt in the Peck Ranch Conservation Area.
Read the article here: https://nationalland.com/blog/elk-hunting-in-missouri/
Alec Wardenburg Bio: https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/alec-wardenburg
National Land Podcast: Episode 02
In this episode we will be discussing the mineral rights, how they work and how to find out what you own.
Land Professional Keith Morris worked with Royal Dutch Shell for over 30 years as a petroleum land man in addition to handling international contracts for the company. In addition to his work with National Land Realty as a land professional, he also works as an adjunct professor for Ole Miss, teaching negotiation and international business. Needless to say, if you are curious about mineral rights on your land, you would do well to listen to him.
Read the article here: https://nationalland.com/blog/got-minerals-what-to-know-about-mineral-rights/
Keith Morris Bio: https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/keith-morris
National Land Podcast: Episode 01
In this episode we will be discussing the ins and outs of performing a prescribed burn on your land.
Land Professional Mark Anderson has over 30 years of experience working with wildfires and prescribed burns throughout the United States. He has spent his career battling Western wildfires and controlling fire through prescribed burn application. If you want to know what prescribed burning can do for your land or if you're just curious about the topic, this episode is for you!
Read the article here: https://nationalland.com/blog/the-landowners-guide-to-prescribed-burns/ Mark Anderson Bio: https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/mark-anderson