Hosted by Saunders Land, a division of Saunders Real Estate, the second annual Lay of the Land® Georgia Conference brought together landowners, investors, and industry professionals for a full day of fresh insights and meaningful connections. The event was held in Thomasville and highlighted trends, key issues, and opportunities shaping rural and agricultural land in the state.
Panel discussions featured Saunders Land advisors and other industry experts addressing topics at the forefront of land ownership and investment. The Georgia land conference would not have been made possible without the support of its event sponsors.
For those who couldn’t attend—or who want to revisit key takeaways—this year’s panel discussions were recorded and are now available via the In Our Expert Opinion Podcast. Additionally, the presentation slides from the Tax Reform & Estate Planning panel are available to download here.
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Managing Timber for Recreational Value & A Changing Pulpwood Market
Saunders Land advisors Mike Matre, Tom Tuggle, and Troy Amos, along with Jay Chupp of Specialty Reforestation, shared strategies for balancing forestry best practices with recreational enhancement. As the recreational value of timberland continues to rise and the pulpwood market faces ongoing challenges, panelists emphasized that recreation is driving timberland demand, making thoughtful management practices more important than ever. Their discussion highlighted approaches such as seedling selection, planting densities, thinning methods, and understory management—all aimed at improving stand health, enhancing wildlife habitat, and strengthening the long-term investment potential of timberland.
Tom Tuggle, Troy Amos, Jay Chupp, and Mike Matre held an insightful panel on forestry and its recreational value at the 2025 Georgia land conference in Thomasville.
Tax Reform & Estate Planning • Opportunities & Strategies
Saunders Real Estate President Tyler Davis, ALC, and Dennis Gallant, CPA, explored how potential legislative changes could affect landowners. As tax reform remains a national focus, landowners are re-examining how these changes might impact their long-term plans. The session unpacked today’s legislative environment while exploring estate planning considerations.
A highlight of the discussion was the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which introduces several unique opportunities for farmers and landowners. Among its provisions are full expensing under the Qualified Production Property provision and the ability to defer capital gain taxes on agricultural land sales into four equal annual payments. Together, these measures offer forward-looking tools for optimizing tax strategies while preserving long-term, generational value.
Georgia Agriculture • Trends, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
Together, Saunders Land advisors Chap Shuman and Don Clark, joined by Brandon DuRant, Agriculture Managing Director, and Adam Bellflower, State Affairs Manager for Georgia Farm Bureau, led a discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping the value and availability of farmland in Georgia. Land values for both timber and farmland are up from 2024, reflecting continued demand and investor interest. From market pressures to policy shifts, panelists shared their perspectives on evolving trends and innovations in agricultural investment. Whether actively farming or investing, attendees gained clear direction on the future of Georgia agriculture and what it means for landowners and stakeholders alike.
Adam Bellflower, Brandon DuRant, Don Clark, and Chap Shuman discuss discuss the availability and value of Georgia farmland at the 2025 Lay of the Land Conference.
Lay of the Land Market Update
Regional Managing Director, Austin Fisher, joined advisors Chap Shuman, Todd Davis, and Mike Matre for a candid conversation about the current trends that are shaping Georgia’s land market. Building on the trusted foundation of the Lay of the Land® Georgia Market Report, the panel paired sales data from the Saunders Research team with their own firsthand experience to give landowners a clear picture of what’s happening across the state. The group unpacked what’s driving prices right now, ranging from shifting buyer demand to how the “highest and best use” of a property is changing. They pointed out that recreational appeal has never been stronger, especially in Georgia’s “big buck counties,” where wildlife has become more than just a bonus—it’s a commodity. At the same time, development pressures are pushing into rural areas, creating both opportunities and tough decisions for landowners.
For those looking to make the most of their property, the panel shared practical tips: enhance recreational components, think ahead about development potential, and understand how today’s buyers are different from those of the past. Some are out-of-state investors chasing returns, while others are local families hoping to hold onto land for generations. Knowing who’s at the table—and what they value—can make all the difference.
This panel was built around the verified sales data featured in our Lay of the Land Georgia Market Report—a trusted benchmark for land values and trends across the state. The report, now available for download, remains a valuable reference point for anyone looking to understand Georgia’s evolving land market.
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Beyond the panels, the conference continued its tradition of fostering community and connection. Attendees had the chance to network with peers, exchange experiences, and take home a special gift—an exclusive David Lanier print—commemorating the event.
We’re grateful to our partners, speakers, and attendees who made the 2025 Lay of the Land Georgia Conference a success. The conversations and insights shared this year will continue to guide landowners and investors as they navigate an evolving marketplace in Georgia and beyond.