2024 Sales: $100M–$250M

Who: One of the largest farm, ranch, and recreational real estate companies in California.

WOW:  Sold a 638-acre former dairy in Petaluma, California, for $9.15 million. The property had two different vineyard leases, a dairy-and-cattle lease, a compost lease, a silage-and-hay-field lease, a contract with the City of Petaluma to spread organic waste in the silage fields, seven residential leases in farm-labor housing, and two barn leases. There also were two high-producing wells on-site and two water reservoirs. It was a very
complicated, intricate deal.

What was your take on 2024?  It was a very slow year. Buyers were not willing to pull the trigger, though we saw a huge uptick after the November election.

How is 2025 shaping up? It started out with a bang. We had our best January in company history with more than $30 million in sales. But February and March slowed down as the uncertainty in the marketplace dominated the media.

2024 Sales: < $50M

Who: We have spent more than 40 years brokering California ranches, farms, mountain hideaways, coastal retreats, and fishing and hunting properties.

WOW:  Listed the Dodge Ranch, consisting of more than 23,600 deeded acres, a 22,497-acre grazing allotment, and 3,700 irrigated acres.

What was your take on 2024? The ranch market was similar to 2023. Most A-quality ranches that were priced right sold, while others sat on the market with little to no activity.

How is 2025 shaping up? Activity has been picking up, and we are experiencing improvements in the market compared to the past couple of years.

2024 Sales: $100M–$250M

Who:  We specialize in the sale of high-value home estates, ranches, and investment properties.

WOW:  Sold a 200-acre estate in Carson Valley for $10.35 million. This premier property featured a 10,000-square-foot historic mansion, a private reservoir, and a guest home.

What was your take on 2024? Land values held steady despite the impact of high interest rates and inflation. We saw a shift toward generational real estate transfers and more owner financing.

How is 2025 shaping up? We are on track for a record-breaking year. After a period of hesitation in the market, we are seeing renewed activ-ity as buyers and sellers who had been on the sidelines are now making their moves. We anticipate that rising cattle and hay prices, along with a gradual decrease in interest rates, should create strong opportunities for investors. For farmers and ranch-ers, we expect a steady and promising year.

2024 Sales:  $100M–$250M

Who:  A land brokerage covering Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Our team of brokers consists of cowboys, farmers, loggers, agriculture majors, foresters, ropers, equestrian lovers, anglers, and hunters. Our expertise includes ranches, farms, timber tracts, vineyards, and luxury resorts.

What was your take on 2024? There was an unprecedented amount of demand on rural and recreational properties unlike anything we have seen. Days on the market turned into single-digit numbers with properties being snatched up before we even had time to get them fully loaded on the website.

How is 2025 shaping up? It is already proving to be a very diverse market with high demand from both buyers and sellers. Currently things are balanced on both sides. Pricing is still very competitive.

2024 Sales:  $500M–$1B

Who: More than 100 years of service that specializes in farms, ranches, land, and agricultural facilities across California. Our 21 agents offer expertise in assisting buyers and sellers of agricultural properties, including a substantial number of transactions representing banks, insurance companies, pension funds, municipalities, and other institutional organizations.

WOW:  Sold a portfolio of fruit trees (peaches, plums, nectarines), along with a small portion of citrus and almonds, totaling 11,708 acres. There were 52 escrows involved with a combined sales price of $310 million.

What was your take on 2024? The California irrigated- farmland market saw a decline in overall land value depending on the water, commodity, soils, and location. Properties in low-risk water areas declined 8 to 12 percent; high-risk water areas saw declines of 15 to 20 percent. Activity was still strong, with buyers looking to secure property with good water and investors looking to deploy capital into good properties with an expectation of long-term appreciation and income.

How is 2025 shaping up? Almond prices have increased 40 percent since last August, and we expect them to continue to climb as the state prepares for a light crop this year. Activity has increased, but there are still signs of further softening in land values due to an oversupply of irrigated farmland for sale.

2024 Sales: < $50M

Who: A family-owned and operated brokerage that was established in 1959. Based in Hollister, California, we specialize in farms, land, and ranches in San Benito, Santa Clara, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties.

WOW: Sold a 118-acre property with a private lake in Watsonville, California.

What was your take on 2024? A mix of hot and cold trends marked by periods of strong activity followed by stretches of hesitation. Buyer demand remained steady in certain segments, particularly for well-priced and one-of-a-kind properties. Rising interest rates and economic uncertainty created hesitation for others.

How is 2025 shaping up? It has been extremely busy, with strong market activity across multiple sectors. Buyer demand has picked up, particularly for well-positioned residential, agricultural, and commercial properties. While interest rates remain a factor in decision-making, motivated buyers and sellers are finding ways to get deals done. We expect continued activity with opportunities for both buyers and sellers as long as economic conditions remain stable.

2024 Sales: < $50M

Who: Established in 1960, our office specializes in farms, ranches, and recreational properties in Eastern Oregon. We have experience in land management, water rights, grazing allotments, land conservation, irrigation systems, and planning regulations.

WOW:  Sold Windy Point property, located north of Dayville, Oregon. This recreational and hunting tract has well-developed springs and valuable BLM grazing permits and borders John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Spanning 4,400 deeded acres and complemented by more than 21,000 acres of BLM land, the property is prime habitat for mule deer and elk.

What was your take on 2024? The market experienced a noticeable slowdown, largely influenced by economic uncertainty surrounding the election and fluctuating interest rates. Many buyers and investors took a cautious approach. Higher borrowing costs also impacted affordability, leading to a more measured pace in transactions. While demand for quality properties remained, the market saw longer listing times and more negotiations.

How is 2025 shaping up? The first quarter showed strong momentum with increased consumer confidence driving activity. We have seen a notable uptick in sales with numerous farms and ranches sold or under contract. Buyer interest has surged, leading to more showings across all property types.