The Lay of the Land® Conference is an annual forum that brings together landowners, investors, and industry professionals to examine the forces shaping land ownership and value. Grounded in verified sales data and field experience, the event provides a clear view of transaction activity, policy developments, and capital decisions across property types. Each program is designed to deliver relevant insight that supports informed decision-making as land markets evolve.
Our conference in Columbus focused on the Alabama and Georgia land markets, offering a closer look at how ownership, management, and value are changing across the region. Discussions ranged from policy and capital decisions to land use, improvements, and financing, reflecting how landowners and investors are navigating a changing environment. Recorded sessions are now available for streaming via the In Our Expert Opinion Real Estate Podcast.
The Lay of the Land Conference is made possible by the support of our event sponsors, whose contributions help strengthen the knowledge base and perspectives shared throughout the program.
A lenders discussion at the Lay of the Land Conference provided a practical look at debt and capital tied to agricultural properties, featuring Spencer Smith and Brandon DuRant of Saunders Real Estate, Andy Leslie of First South Farm Credit, Glenn Lewis of Equitable AgriFinance, and Jason Denton of PGIM.
Key Themes Shaping Land Ownership
The conference opened with a policy discussion focused on the realities facing landowners today. Panelists highlighted challenges tied to agricultural profitability, shifting trade dynamics, and changing demographics across the Southeast, noting that a growing share of decision-making now comes from urban populations with less direct connection to working lands. Conversations also addressed conservation policy, private property rights, and the role of advocacy organizations in shaping legislation that affects forestry, agriculture, and rural land use.
These broader pressures carried into discussions around land management and long-term ownership decisions. Panelists emphasized that factors such as timber market conditions, access to infrastructure, and the intended use of a property all play a role in how land is evaluated and positioned. In particular, the growing influence of recreational demand was noted, with buyers placing greater emphasis on habitat quality, access, and overall usability rather than traditional timber-focused income streams alone.
Financing and capital access were explored through real-world scenarios involving agricultural operations and rural land purchases. The discussion focused on how lending decisions are structured in practice, how market conditions influence borrowing strategies, and where leasing or alternative approaches may be considered. Across each session, the emphasis remained on practical decision-making, with panelists sharing how landowners are adapting to current conditions while positioning their properties for long-term viability.
Current Perspectives on Land Market Data
Sessions concluded with a discussion grounded in the foundation of our Lay of the Land® Market Report. Based on verified land sales data collected through Atlas by Saunders Real Estate, the publication offers a current look at transaction activity and pricing across specific markets.
Our Alabama and Georgia land advisors added perspective from recent transactions, highlighting how activity varies by property type, location, and intended use. The conversation emphasized differences in buyer demand, how certain tracts are trading more actively than others, and how local conditions continue to influence pricing and deal structure across the region.
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Attendees at the Lay of the Land Conference had the opportunity to connect directly with landowners, investors, and industry professionals from across Alabama and Georgia.
Building Relationships Across the Region
In addition to the formal sessions, the conference provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage directly with professionals working across Alabama and Georgia. Conversations throughout the day reflected a shared interest in understanding land values, evaluating opportunities, and navigating ownership decisions in a changing environment.
The combination of data, applied perspective, and open dialogue continues to define the role of the Lay of the Land Conference as a resource for those involved in land ownership and investment.
Continuing the Discussion
The Lay of the Land® Conference will continue later this year with a gathering in Little Rock, Arkansas, on November 4, where discussions will focus on the factors shaping land value across the state’s diverse land landscape. Looking ahead, the program will host a national summit format beginning in 2027, bringing together regional perspectives into a single event held every other year.
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As a trusted forum for land market intelligence, our Lay of the Land Conference remains focused on creating a meaningful and informative setting among landowners and industry professionals. Thank you to those who joined us in Columbus, and we look forward to continuing the conversation at future events.