THOUGHT PIECES

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

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Kari Rickenbach, Permanent Crop Associate With over 20 years in the permanent crop industry, Kari brings unmatched expertise to Root Ag Advisory. From overseeing operations to managing farm finances, her hands-on experience and horticulture degree from WSU make her an invaluable asset to our team. Kari’s not only dedicated to farmland management—she’s… Employee Spotlight: Kari Kickenbach

🌎 Brazil surpasses the U.S. as the world’s top beef producer—what does that mean for Western producers? Brazil overtaking the U.S. in total beef production isn’t just a global headline—it has real implications for producers across the western half of the country. While U.S. cattle numbers remain historically tight, strong global demand (especially from China)… US Drops Below Brazil for World’s Top Beef Producer