We were greatly saddened last week to learn that Terry G. Wilkey, of El Paso, had passed away at the age of 61. Terry was a very fine auctioneer who had on several occasions called sales for Murray Wise Associates. An auctioneer for 40 years, working primarily around central Illinois, Terry was regarded as a [...]
News & Insights
Illinois auctioneers lose one of their own
April 15, 2015After a decade of cheery headlines about roaring farmland prices, we now seem to have one report after another telling us land prices are falling and projecting more of the same. But how much? Nobody knows. It’s probably a good time to be cautious, but I don’t think we’re in for a major storm. Yes, [...]
For several years now, everybody’s focus has been on farmland prices, and notably on the dramatic rise in prices per acre. But now, we’re seeing a shift to something even more basic: Farm profitability. The narrative is probably familiar to you by now. Corn, soybeans and other commodities are down sharply, and input prices keep [...]
Scholarship Updates
February 26, 2015One of the highlights of my career is my ability to help deserving young people pursue their education for careers in agriculture. Students and counselors will want to take note of the opportunities described below, and I hope you’ll also enjoy reading about some recent scholarship recipients. Scholarship Deadlines Are Approaching Fast MURRAY WISE ASSOCIATES [...]
Time to Buy or Time to Sell?
January 27, 2015People are constantly asking me whether it’s a good time to buy farmland. Others want to know if it’s a good time to sell. The answer is yes to both – depending on your needs and objectives, of course. I talk about why in these two short landcasts. Happy listening!
Helping ag students learn to value farmland
December 10, 2014“What will my farm bring?” That is one of the most difficult questions I hear from people who are trying to decide whether to offer their farmland at auction. Markets are constantly changing, and no two farms are exactly alike. That’s why I’ve enjoyed watching the annual competition among agricultural management students at Parkland College. [...]
I had the privilege of speaking at length recently with Victoria G. Myers, Senior Editor of Progressive Farmer Magazine. Here’s an out-take based on my comments, which appeared in the November edition. (Used by permission.) Murray Wise, founder of Murray Wise Associates, based in Champaign, Ill., says there is still no better place for that [...]
Demand for Florida land growing due to nationwide trends
October 31, 2014BY BEN CROSBY President, Crosby & Associates Murray Wise and I have been marketing land together for 23 years, and if there’s anything we’ve learned in all that time, it is that demand for land can be affected by numerous factors that may not always be obvious. And right now, the Florida land market is [...]
Making sense of recent farmland values
August 11, 2014I’ve had a number of conversations recently with farmers, farmland investors, bankers and others who have been trying to interpret the recent surveys of farmland prices. And I’ll have to admit, we’ve all been doing some serious head scratching. The USDA’s Land Values 2014 Summary, released in early August, shows 2013-2014 cropland values in the [...]
A Very Special Evening
June 24, 2014As I mentioned recently, I hesitated to write anything more about my great honor in being named the 2014 recipient of the V. Dale Cozad Entrepreneur Award. Truthfully, it seemed immodest to do so. But the event itself was so remarkable, reflecting the hard work of so many people, that gratitude compels one more post, [...]