Lay of the Land® Georgia Conference

About the Conference

The Georgia Lay of the Land® Conference is the premier gathering for landowners, investors, and industry professionals who live on, work with, or invest in Georgia’s land. Each year, thought leaders and economic experts share insights into the trends and opportunities shaping rural and agricultural land across the state.

Continue exploring Georgia’s evolving land story through the Lay of the Land® Market Report, featuring the latest land sales data and market intelligence.

REQUEST AN INVITE TO THE 2026 GEORGIA CONFERENCE

 

Download the Latest
Georgia Market Report

Georgia’s land market continues to demonstrate resilience and opportunity, with steady demand across timberland, farmland, recreational, and transitional properties. The Lay of the Land® Georgia Market Report explores the factors influencing land values—including strong interest in Southwest Georgia cropland, competitive timber markets, and growing development around key metro areas. Backed by trusted sales data and market expertise, this report offers a clear view of Georgia’s evolving land market.

DOWNLOAD THE GEORGIA MARKET REPORT

Event Recap

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025

8:30 AM Attendee Check-In & Breakfast
9:00 AM Welcome • Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM
 
9:15 AM

Managing Timber for Recreational Value & A Changing Pulpwood Market
As the recreational value of timberland continues increasing and the pulpwood market is facing challenges, this panel will explore timber management strategies to enhance wildlife habitat, maximize sawtimber production, and increase land value. Experts will discuss seedling selection, planting densities, thinning approaches, and understory management that not only support stand health but also enhance wildlife habitat and long-term land value. Whether you’re planning your next planting cycle or considering timberland investments, this session will offer ample insight into forestry best practices in evolving markets.

  • Mike Matre, ALC, RF, ACF, Senior Advisor - Saunders Real Estate
  • Jay Chupp, RF, CF, Owner - Specialty Reforestation
  • Tom Tuggle, ALC, Advisor - Saunders Real Estate
  • Troy Amos, RF, Associate Advisor - Saunders Real Estate
10:00 AM Networking Break
 
10:15 AM

Tax Reform & Estate Planning • Opportunities & Strategies
As tax reform remains a topic of national focus, landowners are taking a closer look at how potential changes could affect their long-term plans. This session will provide context around today’s legislative environment while exploring key estate planning considerations. Whether you're actively managing a plan or just beginning to weigh your options, it offers timely insight for Georgia landowners navigating the current tax landscape.

  • Tyler Davis, ALC, President - Saunders Real Estate
10:45 AM Keynote Speaker • Senator Drew Echols, District 49 - Georgia State Senate 
 
11:15 AM Networking Break
11:30 AM

Georgia Agriculture • Trends, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
This panel takes a closer look at the challenges and opportunities affecting the value and availability of farmland in Georgia. Whether you farm the land or invest in it, the expert panelists in this session will offer timely perspectives on evolving trends and innovations in agricultural investment.

  • Chap Shuman, Advisor - Saunders Real Estate
  • Don Clark, Advisor - Saunders Real Estate
  • Brandon DuRant, AFM, Agriculture Managing Director & Business Development - Saunders Real Estate
  • Adam Belflower, State Affairs Manager - Georgia Farm Bureau
12:15 PM Lunch
 
1:00 PM

Lay of the Land Market Update 

The Lay of the Land Georgia Market Report remains a trusted benchmark for annual land sales and statewide market trends. This panel builds on that foundation, with Saunders Land advisors offering current insights from the field across key asset classes. Backed by the most current land sales data collected by the Saunders Research team, this session provides timely perspectives and practical guidance for the 2025 Georgia real estate market.

  • Bryant Peace, Business Development - Saunders Real Estate
  • Austin Fisher, Regional Managing Director - Saunders Real Estate
  • Todd Davis, Senior Advisor - Saunders Real Estate
  • Chap Shuman, Advisor - Saunders Real Estate
1:45 PM Networking Break
 
2:00 PM

Networking Reception
As the event comes to a close, attendees are invited to stay for an informal reception designed to encourage meaningful connections between fellow landowners, investors, and our Saunders Land advisors. Our team will be available to share insights, answer questions, and continue the conversations that help inform thoughtful land decisions across Georgia and beyond.

2025 Event Sponsors

                  


             
 

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The Lay of the Land® conference is organized and sponsored exclusively by Saunders Real Estate and is offered to our clients, landowners, and related interests. This is our primary audience and space is limited, so we respectfully ask that real estate brokers and licensed associates outside of our brokerage do not attend the event.