THOUGHT PIECES

Employee Spotlight ➡️ Sonora Zaugg, Farm Management Associate Meet Sonora—a vital part of our farm management team here at Root Ag Advisory. She plays a key role in supporting both permanent and row crop operations, with hands-on experience in asset management, budgeting, financial reporting, and property oversight. Lately, she’s been serving as a water liaison,… Employee Spotlight: Sonora Zaugg

Farmland value is shaped by more than acreage. Across the West, factors like water access, soil quality, operational management, and long-term planning determine how land performs, and how its value holds over time. Water comes first. Assessing factors such as availability, reliability, and documented water rights often carry as much weight as soil quality or… Factors Affecting Farmland Valuation

Water availability continues to be a defining factor for agriculture in the West. From aquifer recharge to infrastructure investments, water-related decisions influence operating risk, capital planning, and long-term land performance. For landowners and producers, staying informed on these developments supports smarter, more resilient planning. “On Friday the Idaho Water Resource Board voted to approve a… Idaho Discusses and Addresses State Water Issues

🌱 Good farm management is intentional. Active oversight, cost control, and disciplined decisions protect productivity and land value over time. Ownership alone doesn’t drive results. Management does. This is how long-term performance is built.

Global wheat supply trends shape market conditions for Northwest growers over time. USDA’s global outlook highlights increased production abroad and rising ending stocks. Over the long term, these factors influence price expectations and planning considerations for U.S. wheat producers, including those in the Pacific Northwest. Understanding how global supply trends intersect with local production supports… How Global Wheat Supply Affects Northwest US

RAA Employee Spotlight ➡️ Arnav Virmani, VP of Acquisitions Arnav’s work includes sourcing new deals for various clients, conducting due diligence, and producing valuation and investment analysis on new acquisitions. Arnav is also a FINRA licensed investment banker with Capstone where he assists on food and agriculture transactions. He holds Series 63 and 79 licenses… Employee Spotlight: Arnav Virmani

Planning for the 2026 growing season starts sooner than most realize. Land performance, water availability, and cost structures are influenced months before a crop ever goes in the ground. By reviewing data, evaluating management strategies, and identifying constraints early, operations can make informed decisions instead of reactive ones. Proactive planning isn’t just good management. It… 2026 Growing Season Planning Starts Now

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… 2025 PNW Tree Fruit Market Recap

Succession planning isn’t a one-time decision, it’s a process that works best when it starts early. For family farms and ranches, strong transitions are built through: • Clear communication • Defined roles and expectations • Aligned legal and financial structures • Trusted advisors working together When planning happens proactively, families gain options, rather than being… Importance of Early Succession Planning

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has introduced a new digital portal to streamline reporting of foreign interests in U.S. agricultural land, adding visibility to ownership data at a time when the farmland market is already navigating significant headwinds. This development comes amid: • Persistently high farmland values • Elevated interest rates • Reduced transaction volume… USDA Creating Transparency in Farmland Ownership