The Harvest Returns team talks to hundreds of producers, agriculture technology companies, and industry insiders every year, shaping our perception of the agriculture investment ecosystem. Every December, we review the previous year’s agricultural investing scene and make some predictions about what’s in store for the new year.
Read moreMust Watch Farmland Investing Trends
When it comes to investing, one of the most valuable skills you can have is being able to identify trends and capitalize on them.
For example, those who caught the trend of online shopping and e-commerce have done quite well with stocks like Amazon. On the other hand, those who had their heads in the sand did not do too well if they owned retail stocks, such as Macy’s.
Farmland hasn’t quite become trendy yet, but it is growing in popularity. It has transitioned from an investment that was out of reach to something you can now own with relative ease. All without getting your boots dirty.
Before diving in, it is important to understand the current trends within an investment. Based on a report by Farm Foundation, here are the most important trends farmland investors need to be aware of.
Read moreGrowing the U.S. Bamboo Investment Market
Bamboo is a strong and fast-growing material that’s been used for thousands of years because of its versatility and sustainability. The bamboo plant is a grass that grows almost a meter a day. After the first three years of growth, it is harvested annually without the need of replanting. Bamboo is a flexible resource that can grow under a range of climatic conditions while keeping the land nutrient and preventing soil erosion. Unlike other plants, bamboo is naturally antibacterial and has no need for pesticides or fertilizers. With more than 1,500 potential product uses, the miracle grass also represents a lucrative market opportunity.
Read moreInvesting in Hemp, the Versatile Cash Crop
CBD and hemp products have both seen a boom since the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law, with hemp legalization on a federal level and the ability to sell products commercially. Many items made from hemp have been marketed since then, with CBD oil being in top demand. As more studies explore the use of CBD, many people are looking to the product as a medicine for various ailments or illnesses. Hemp fibers are also making a recent impact as well.
Although it was legal to grow hemp since 1998, producers were required to receive a special production permit from the Drug Enforcement Agency due to its relation to marijuana. However, now there are fewer restraints of transportation on the plant and less risk for farmers and producers involved.
Read moreInvesting in U.S. Timberland
While the Canadian forest industry might take exception to the analogy, their infiltration of the U.S. South’s sawmills has been slow, methodical and under the radar. Certainly, “quiet” would be an exaggeration. After all, West Fraser Timber (WFT), Interfor (IFP), Canfor (CFP) and Conifex Timber (CFF) are all publicly-traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange, and each of their many acquisitions have come with press releases and industry commentary. But generally speaking, the encroachment has been undetected.
Read more4 Tips to Becoming a Successful Agriculture Investor
Investing during a period with so many choices can be intimidating. Each asset carries its own risk/reward profile, and there’s no one-stop source on how to safely make the most out of your money. It’s easy to put your money into opportunities that are familiar instead of investing in a complex, possibly foreign, industry like agriculture. Don’t let the potential learning curve scare you away from great returns in an asset class that helps feed, clothe, and fuel the world. Here are three tips to becoming a successful agriculture investor:
Read more