May 20, 2026

May marks a season of momentum across rural America and for the professionals who serve it. As planting progresses, markets adjust, and landowners look ahead, rural property professionals are once again at the center of critical decisions shaping agricultural and rural land nationwide.

At ASFMRA, we know the expertise you bring to your work goes well beyond transactions or valuations. Your insights help guide land stewardship, inform policy discussions, and support the long‑term vitality of rural communities. This month’s newsletter highlights tools, education, and perspectives designed to support you as you navigate a changing landscape and growing demand for trusted rural property expertise.

Thank you for your continued commitment to professionalism, ethics, and excellence in rural land markets. We’re proud to support the work you do and the impact you make every day.

What's Happening at ASFMRA

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.

Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight:

Colter DeVries, AFM, AAC

Ranch Investor | Montana

Q: Are there any specific committees, events, or initiatives within ASFMRA that you're hoping to get more involved with in the future?

A: Yes, I am interested in becoming more involved, although some committee selection processes are still underway, so I will not get too specific yet about where I have volunteered at the national level. I look forward to attending the National Convention again because I always enjoy the convention and the chance to reconnect with members from across the country. As someone whose background is more in sagebrush desert and mountain grazing country, I also found this year’s Florida citrus grove tour especially interesting. It was even better having someone like Howard Halderman on the bus, adding context and perspective throughout the tour.

Q: Have you had a chance to attend any ASFMRA events or conferences yet? If so, what stood out to you?

A: Yes, I have attended a number of ASFMRA events and conferences, and I get something different out of each one. What stood out most to me at the last convention was the retirement sendoff for Brian Stockman. I did not know him well, but it was easy to see how strong the relationships are within the organization. The tribute felt close, warm, brotherly, and communal. It was a good reminder that ASFMRA is not just about education, designations, and professional standards. It is also a community of people who have built real friendships and deep professional respect over many years.

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

A: Some of the most rewarding projects I have been involved in have been workout situations. They are usually not fun or easy because the circumstances are difficult, often involving creditors, accounts receivable, strained relationships, and messy books. But when you finally right the ship, help local creditors get paid, clean up the financial picture, and give the business or operation a fresh start, the work becomes very rewarding. Those projects are difficult in the middle, but satisfying at the end because you can see a real before and after.

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

A: Being an Accredited Farm Manager and Accredited Agricultural Consultant has helped shape my career by holding me to a higher standard. I often remind myself that how we do anything is how we do everything, and these accreditations serve as an accountability measure for me. ASFMRA does the same thing. It reminds me that my work product, integrity, and reputation matter beyond any single client engagement. If I do poor work, cut corners, or develop a bad reputation with clients, that will eventually make its way back to my peers. That accountability is healthy, and it has made me more disciplined and professional.

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

A: Early on, I would tell someone to say yes to as many projects as they reasonably can until they gain enough experience, confidence, and market position to raise their rates and become more selective. Hands-on experience matters. Some projects will cost you money, some will not work out, and some will feel like failures, but there is value in learning the hard lessons. At the same time, build a strong network within ASFMRA so you have people you can call when you need guidance. Then, as your book of business grows, take ASFMRA classes alongside that practical experience. The coursework helps teach discipline, professionalism, good judgment, pricing, profitability, and the importance of knowing the value of your time.

Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned in the field that no textbook could have taught you?

A: One lesson I have learned is that if a client is a problem at the beginning, they will usually be a problem all the way through to the bitter end. Everyone has dealt with challenging clients, and I do think it is important to set the tone early in an engagement. Clear expectations, boundaries, and communication all matter. But with certain people, especially where there are deeper character issues, setting the tone will not necessarily change the relationship. The older I get, the more I believe in working with good people whenever possible.

Q: What’s one song that’s always on your road trip playlist?

A: “Baptized” by Zach Williams is one that always finds its way onto the road trip playlist. I like to think I can hit both the high and low notes while singing into the windshield microphone. My wife would probably disagree with that assessment of my vocal talent, but my daughters are still young enough to believe I am nailing it and not embarrassing myself.

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

A: I would probably be in private equity. From my banking days at Wells Fargo and Rabo AgriFinance, I have always enjoyed reviewing profit and loss statements, cash flow analysis, credit analysis, deal memos, and business models across different industries. I still like understanding how businesses work, how they make money, where the risks are, and what can be improved. With AI tools becoming more capable, that kind of analysis is even more interesting and accessible than it used to be.

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

A: I would not call it surprising, exactly, but it is unusual and maybe becoming more so. Across agriculture, there is a shared history, a common set of values, and a familiar heritage that connects people from the Delta to the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming, from Pecos County, Texas, to nearly every point in between. The details change by region, but the stories often rhyme. I think many of us love agriculture because of the people, the commonality, and the respect for those who came before us. There is a shared and specific heritage in this industry that goes beyond ordinary business. It is noble, and in some ways, it is bigger than the work itself. I do not think you find that same kind of people, history, and legacy in industries like private equity or lobbying.

Rapid Fire:

Q: Favorite way to start the day?

A: Coffee and listening to the Hallow App

Q: Favorite fair food?

A: Crow Indian Frybread Tacos

Q: Dream vacation destination?

A: Touring the Deep South with George Baird

Q: Boots or sneakers?

A: Anything but Crocs

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

A: I hitch-hiked across Australia when I was 21, and I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone considering doing the same.

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

A: Somebody Prayed by Crowder

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

Chapter Events

View the full education calendar.

We would like to welcome and introduce two new staff members to the ASFMRA National Office. These two individuals bring decades of combined association experience to ASFMRA and will be huge assets to the organization.