Government Policy and Farmland Markets: The Maintenance of Farmer Wealth

Of immeasurable value to lenders, agricultural economists, and a host of agribusinesses this unique volume brings together leading farmland authorities in the United States and Canada to examine the economic determinants of land value and the consequences of change in land values. As the most basic factor of production in the agricultural enterprise, farmland dominates the agricultural balance sheet, accounting for an average of 70 per cent of all agricultural assets. The authors of this timely book provide expert analysis and review of this subject, examining it from the following perspectives * An historical overview of the structure and performance of farmland markets in the United States* The links between farmland values and agricultural policy in the United States* The capital market dimension of farmland values* The mechanics of farmland markets, especially the cost of buying and selling farmland* Environmental concerns, including the potential impact of urban encroachment* The role of regulations against foreign ownership of farmland on farmland values in Canada. Students, scholars, and professionals involved in agricultural economics, finance, agricultural policy, resource economics and others will have an interest in this book. This book will also be used as supplemental reading or as a text in graduate courses in the above named areas.