August 20, 2026

2026 ASFMRA Annual Conference

Registration is OPEN for the 2026 ASFMRA Annual Conference!

November 2-4 | The Wigwam Resort | Phoenix, AZ

Join us in the stunning Arizona desert for the 97th ASFMRA Annual Conference — the premier gathering for rural property professionals, farm managers, and rural appraisers. This three-day event brings together thought leaders, industry experts, and ASFMRA members from across the country for high-impact education, national accreditation ceremonies, networking, and recognition of excellence in our profession.

Why Attend the 2026 ASFMRA Annual Conference:

• Earn valuable CE credits while exploring the trends shaping the future of land, agriculture, and rural property professionals.
• NEW THIS YEAR! The Land Matters program discusses farmland ownership, investor expectations, and management tools. Attendees will hear from industry voices, see live technology demos, and leave with a clearer view of how farm management may evolve over the next 10 years.
• Hear from leading experts on AI, federal policy, water rights, farm financial management, rural economic development, and more.
• Experience Arizona agriculture firsthand during the optional Ag Tour featuring innovative farming operations and industry leaders.
• Participate in Rapid Fire sessions packed with practical ideas, emerging trends, and peer insights.
• Connect with colleagues, exhibitors, sponsors, and industry leaders through receptions, networking events, and dedicated exhibit hall time.
• Bring a guest to enjoy exclusive experiences, including Scottsdale tours, spa opportunities, and social activities.
• Celebrate and support the ASFMRA Education Foundation at Red, White & Bid!, featuring a silent auction, live auction, dinner, and evening reception.

Register by September 13 to lock in Early Bird savings before rates increase.

Thank you to our event sponsors!

Interested in sponsoring or have event questions? 

Please contact Lori Schafer at lschafer@asfmra.org

What's Happening at ASFMRA

New! Recurring Donations Are Now Available



Help advance the education and professional development of land professionals by setting up a recurring donation to the Education Foundation. Your ongoing support provides a reliable source of funding for scholarships, programs, and opportunities that strengthen our profession. Together, we're building the future of agricultural education, while honoring the legacy that brought us here.

ASFMRA on the Road

ASFMRA on the Road brings ASFMRA's trusted education programs directly to rural professionals across the country. Through chapter-hosted seminars, workshops, and training events, members and industry professionals can access high-quality education, practical insights, and networking opportunities closer to home.

Missed a webinar? Want to revisit a presentation? Need some ASFMRA CE hours? Recorded webinars are available exclusively to ASFMRA members through the Members Only section of our website.

Simply log in, navigate to Education > Past Webinars, and start learning at your convenience.

We look forward to continuing to expand this valuable member resource as more webinars are recorded.

Congratulations to Under Secretary Glen Smith!

ASFMRA congratulates longtime supporter, Glen R. Smith (Iowa) on his confirmation as U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development. A lifelong farmer, rancher, and rural land professional, Smith founded Smith Land Service Company, specializing in farm management, land appraisal, and farm brokerage, and most recently served on the Farm Credit Administration Board of Directors.

Throughout his career, Smith has been a strong advocate for agriculture and rural communities. We look forward to the leadership, expertise, and dedication he will bring to this important national role and wish him continued success in advancing the interests of rural America.

Read the press release.

Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight:

Brandon DuRant, AFM

Agriculture Managing Director & Business Development

Saunders Real Estate

Q: What’s one of the most rewarding projects you’ve been a part of and why?

A: One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been facilitating conservation easements. It is deeply fulfilling to assist families in protecting their generational lands from development pressure, providing them with the lasting peace of mind that their farms will remain working agricultural lands for years to come.

Q: How has being an Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) and ASFMRA member helped shape your career?

A: Earning my AFM designation and becoming a member of the ASFMRA has been fantastic for my career. It has not only opened doors to new business opportunities but has also connected me with an incredible network of agricultural professionals. I value the relationships I've built within this organization, as they provide a trusted sounding board for new ideas and a wealth of sound advice from seasoned industry veterans.

Q: You’ve seen the agricultural industry evolve over the past 15+ years - what’s the biggest change you’ve witnessed, and how has it impacted farm management?

A: Over the nearly two decades in this industry, the most significant shift I have witnessed is the rapid advancement of technology. We have moved from paper maps and manual field work to utilizing iPads, smartphones, and sophisticated software for real-time data collection. Tasks that once took days to complete—such as complex mapping and analysis—can now be finished in a matter of minutes thanks to advancements in AI, GIS, and portable digital platforms, allowing for much greater efficiency in daily farm management.

Q: What advice would you give someone just starting out in agricultural real estate or farm management?

A: The best advice I could give someone entering this career field is to find a great mentor and be a sponge. I was blessed in the first 5 years of my career to have supervisors who not only were good managers but excellent teachers. I would not be where I am today if a strong foundation was not placed. Take your time, listen closely, and absorb all the knowledge you can.

Q: How did you first get connected with ASFMRA, and what drew you to become involved?

A: I was first introduced to ASFMRA back in 2019. A coworker at that time started getting more involved in the local chapter and I began learning more about the organization. As I learned more about ASFMRA, it motivated me to start the AFM process.

Q: What has been the most valuable part of being a member of ASFMRA so far?

A: The most valuable part of being an ASFMRA member is the relationships. Being able to learn more about how others view the industry and form friendships with folks across the country.

Q: One thing you'd tell a prospective member who's on the fence about joining the ASFMRA?

A: If you are on the fence about joining ASFMRA, I would tell you that you will not find a better organization providing a network of professionals who care about the agriculture real estate, appraisal and farmland management industries. The continuing education, seminars, webinars, and networking opportunities give anybody at any stage of their career a chance to gain more insight into what is happening in our industry from professionals who operate daily in this arena.

Q: Best advice you've received – who gave it and how did it show up in your work?

A: The best advice I ever received came from my 8th-grade English teacher, Mrs. Whaley. She always used the phrase, "Excuses are for those who make them." This phrase has shown up many times in my career when I was frustrated with a project's progression, had to deliver bad news to a client, or even when I didn't want to complete a continuing education class for one of my licenses. If you buckle down, keep your head up, and make the best of any situation, you will never have to worry about making an excuse for why something cannot be done.

Q: If you weren’t in agriculture, what other career would you see yourself pursuing?

A: If I weren't in the agriculture industry, I have no idea what I would be doing. I grew up around farming and operating equipment and this has been the only personal and work life I have ever known.

Q: What's the most unusual or surprising thing you’ve encountered while working in the field?

A: The most surprising thing I have come across while managing farmland was probably an Emu. While inspecting a property, an Emu walked out of the woods as I was walking back toward my truck. I heard a sound that I assumed was a deer and thought nothing of it. Next thing I saw was an Emu walking out of a Longleaf Pine forest. Thankfully there was a fence between us, otherwise I have no idea what I would have done.

Rapid Fire:

Q: Favorite way to start the day?

A: Breakfast with my wife and kids

Q: Favorite fair food?

A: Elephant Ear

Q: Dream vacation destination?

A: Alaska

Q: Horses or horsepower?

A: Horsepower

Q: Boots or sneakers?

A: Boots

Q: What's something most people don't know about you?

A: I can play 6 different instruments.

Q: If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be?

A: "God's Country" by Blake Shelton

Know a member who deserves the spotlight? Send your nomination to Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Stacey Kimberly at skimberly@asfmra.org

Chapter Events

August 2026

September 2026

October 2026

November 2026

ASFMRA accreditation represents the highest level of professional achievement within the Society. Members who earn an ASFMRA designation have demonstrated advanced knowledge, extensive practical experience, ethical accountability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Accredited professionals provide specialized expertise in rural appraisal, farm management, agricultural consulting, business valuation, and other disciplines critical to today's agricultural industry. Through rigorous education, testing, and continuing education requirements, ASFMRA designees maintain the skills needed to serve clients and communities with confidence, integrity, and professionalism.

ASFMRA is now accepting manuscript submissions for the 2027 edition of the Journal of the ASFMRA. The peer-reviewed publication showcases research, case studies, and practical insights relevant to farm managers, rural appraisers, agricultural consultants, and other rural property professionals. Authors are invited to submit original work that advances professional practice and bridges the gap between academic research and real-world application. Manuscripts are due September 15.



We hope you'll consider sharing your expertise. If you have a topic idea or questions about the submission process, please contact us and submit your manuscript to Publications@asfmra.org.

Meet the New Journal Editor

ASFMRA is pleased to welcome Dr. Ryan Loy as the new Editor of the Journal of the ASFMRA. Dr. Loy serves as Assistant Professor and Extension Economist at the University of Arkansas, where his work focuses on agricultural finance, farm management, and decision-making tools that support producers and agricultural professionals. He brings a strong commitment to connecting research with practical industry application and will help guide the Journal's continued growth and impact.

ASFMRA Corporate Store

Your support of ASFMRA represents more than a membership—it’s a commitment to the legacy and future of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. As an ASFMRA member, you play a vital role in advancing our mission, supporting professional excellence, and sustaining the growth of our organization.

Show your ASFMRA pride with branded apparel and accessories! Visit the ASFMRA online store to shop polos, outerwear, hats, bags, and more featuring the ASFMRA logo, with orders shipped directly to you.

Help us welcome our newest members to ASFMRA! We are thrilled that you have chosen ASFMRA as the organization to be affiliated with. Because of you, ASFMRA continues to grow and support rural property professionals across the nation!

You may recognize your colleagues in the following list, and we encourage you to welcome them into ASFMRA!

New Members

• Kyle Barber in Hamilton, MT (Montana Chapter)
• Alan Bingham with Farmland Reserve inc. in Salt Lake City, UT (Mid-South Chapter)
• Mark Bovee in Jacksonville, FL (Florida Chapter)
• Bennett Cloud in Madison, MS (Mid-South Chapter)
• Dylan Cometti with American Ag Credit in Las Cruces, NM (New Mexico)
• Aracely Garcia Loya in Greeley, CO (Colorado Chapter)
• Emma Kissell with Farm Credit East in Cooperstown, NY (Northeast Chapter)
• Duran Lucas with Farmland Reserve in Salt Lake City, UT (Idaho-Utah Chapter)
• Will Mayfield in Pulaski, TN (Mid-South Chapter)
• Spencer Meenen with Bank of Pontiac in Pontiac, IL (Illinois Chapter)
• Rhett Peterson with Western Ag Credit in Richfield, UT (Idaho-Utah Chapter)
• Kevin Steward with Broken Bar H Enterprises in Truro, IA (Iowa Chapter)
• Denise Tomlinson with Compeer Financial in Jamesville, WI (Wisconsin Chapter)

Share Your Experience, Make a Referral

You know first-hand what a great organization ASFMRA is and what it means to you both professionally and personally. We thank you for spreading the word, you are the driving force behind our continued growth! Talk to those you know who would benefit from ASFMRA’s educational offerings, networking, and meetings. Let them know your experiences of being involved in this great association and some of the business contacts you have made along with lasting friendships. Your peers listed below have done just that! They spoke to individuals about ASFMRA, and those individuals have now become members of ASFMRA!

• Ann Aulita
• David Dinderman
• Paraic Neibergs, ARA
• Jerald Sanders
• Anthony “Tony” Toso, ARA

Thank you to all who have referred someone and, in some cases, more than one, to join ASFMRA.

Whether you're attending a chapter meeting, participating in a webinar, volunteering on a committee, or pursuing accreditation, ASFMRA membership connects you to something bigger than any one event or benefit.

Through your local chapter, you build relationships with professionals who understand your market, your challenges, and your work. Through ASFMRA's national network, you gain access to education, professional resources, leadership opportunities, and the recognition that comes with being part of a respected professional organization.

It's the combination of local connections and national recognition that makes ASFMRA unique. Thank you for being part of a community dedicated to advancing the rural property profession and supporting one another's success.

We're proud to have you as a member.