Throughout the country, the Farm Credit System employs approximately 600 rural property appraisers. These experts play a critical role in servicing rural America by appraising a wide range of property types ranging from small, part-time farms to large, complex agricultural processing facilities. Their work ensures that Farm Credit’s mission of supporting rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services, is fulfilled today and tomorrow. By safeguarding Farm Credit’s collateral portfolio, these appraisers help the Farm Credit System access competitive funding through the sale of Farm Credit bonds to investors.
Dating back to the implementation of FIRREA in 1989, the Farm Credit System has maintained rigorous appraisal standards to ensure the accuracy and reliability of property valuations. Farm Credit System appraisers also work to fulfill The Appraisal Foundation’s mission to advance the valuation profession by setting standards of excellence, promoting education, and upholding the public trust by delivering unbiased assessments of property value while remaining independent and impartial, providing evaluations that accurately reflect both market conditions and property-specific characteristics. Given the unique nature of agricultural lending and the complexities involved in valuing farmland, livestock, and other agricultural assets, appraisers within the Farm Credit System undergo specialized training and have in-depth knowledge of the agricultural sector. As a result, Farm Credit appraisers are amongst the highest trained, experienced, and respected appraisers within the industry.
Farm Credit’s 600 appraisers are members of countless professional appraisal groups including the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, the Appraisal Institute, and the American Society of Appraisers. Many system appraisers also hold professional designations within these professional groups, further signifying their professional excellence. Moreover, the Farm Credit System actively supports the growth and development of future appraisers, protecting the sustainability of the profession for years to come. One example of this support is through backing initiatives like the National 4-H Forestry Invitational which teaches students the skills necessary for a future career in forest/timber appraisal. Through these efforts, the Farm Credit System ensures that the financing needs of rural America are met with utmost professionalism and expertise, allowing our member-owners to continue providing food, fuel, and fiber to the world.
