2025 was a challenging year for pacific northwest tree fruit producers.
According to insights from Washington State Tree Fruit Association, growers navigated:
• One of the smallest pear crops in years, followed by a much larger crop that strained retail relationships
• Drought and heat impacting apple harvest decisions and labor efficiency
• Strong cherry production met with weak pricing
• Increased consumer price sensitivity pushing retail pressure back to the farm
From a land market perspective, these dynamics matter.
When margins tighten and volatility increases, landowners and investors begin reassessing:
• Capital improvements and orchard redevelopment timing
• Long-term cash flow sustainability
• Liquidity needs in a high-interest-rate environment
Land values may remain historically high, but operational risk and market consistency increasingly influence how farmland is valued, transacted, and held, especially in permanent crop regions where flexibility is limited.
Team Spotlight: Kari Rickenbach, Permanent Crop Associate Kari brings more than 20 years of experience in the permanent crop industry to Root Ag Advisory. With a background in farm operations, financial management, and horticulture, she understands the decisions producers face from both the field and business side of an operation. Her experience helps support Root… Employee Spotlight: Kari Richenbach
🌾Farm succession is not just about who gets the land. It is about protecting the operation, preserving family relationships, planning for taxes, assets, water, leases, and long-term goals… And making sure the next generation has a clear path forward. Consider the following when creating your farm’s succession plan: – The earlier the conversation starts, the… Farmland Succession Planning
Root Agricultural Advisory
2670 S. Eagle Rd. Meridian ID 83642
(208) 753-2333 info@rootagadvisory.com
