There are many routes for investment into farmland and agriculture, with varying degrees of risk and associated return. For the long term, the US Corn Belt is ideal for the private or smaller scale investor.

This region in the US Midwest also offers opportunities for scale and, with no upper limit on ownership, the opportunity to create large farming units, which are particularly desirable for corn and soybean production. The Corn Belt has the best quality soils and a fairly benign climate, providing the best possible growing conditions.

To maximise returns, it's important to identify under-performing farms. Long-terms gains in asset performance can be achieved by increasing crop yields through the use of technology such as hybrid seeds and highly mechanised production methods. Over the long term the improved productivity will translate into an uplift in land values, irrespective of short- to medium-term commodity price volatility.

Further information

Read our latest report on Around the World in Dollars and Cents or visit International Farmland