January 23, 2025

Exploring Emerging Opportunities in Farmland and Water Investments

WestWater recently attended the Land Investment Expo in Iowa, an annual gathering of farmland investors, owners and operators, and service companies. In collaboration with Peoples Company, we presented on the diverse status and future investment opportunities within the Ogallala Aquifer region. Our discussion highlighted how groundwater conditions and economic impacts of water management in this region are highly localized—contrary to the broader narrative of aquifer decline.

Beyond the Ogallala, we were intrigued by several key topics addressed by other speakers, which intersect with our work in the water space:

  • Rising water costs driven by increasing infrastructure expenses and the development of harder-to-reach water supplies.
  • Capital markets as a solution to resource management challenges, including water resource management.
  • The wave of infrastructure development on the horizon and the need to mitigate its natural resource impacts.
  • Shifting farmland markets and the importance of quality assets and effective marketing as the market trends toward a buyer’s market.
  • The risks of distressed farmland assets, emphasizing the need for thorough diligence—especially water diligence—when purchasing farmland.
  • Bundling new assets on farmland, such as land and water conservation, carbon credits, and recreational access, as emerging opportunities.

The Land Investment Expo remains a valuable and unique event, offering meaningful insights into the future of farmland markets and operations for the coming year.

Let’s continue this discussion at the Sustainable Water Investment Summit. Join us in Rancho Palos Verdes, Feb 27-28. Register today!