Most North Dakota Farmland Buyers Are Farmers, but Outside Investment Isn’t Insignificant

Most North Dakota farmland buyers are farmers, but outside investment isn’t insignificant

While famous investors like Bill Gates or Interior Secretary Scott Bessent owning North Dakota farmland get headlines, Bryon Parman, agricultural finance specialist at North Dakota State University Extension, says it’s not the norm. “By far and away, most purchases are (by) farmers,” he said. “I mean, it’s a huge percentage — cautious to give an actual percentage. But the vast majority are purchases by farmers intending to either farm it or brin…

Most North Dakota farmland buyers are farmers, but outside investment isn't insignificant

While famous investors like Bill Gates or Interior Secretary Scott Bessent owning North Dakota farmland get headlines, Bryon Parman, agricultural finance specialist at North Dakota State University Extension, says it's not the norm. “By far and away, most purchases are (by) farmers,” he said. “I mean it's a huge percentage — cautious to give an actual percentage. But the vast majority are purchases by farmers intending to either farm it or bring…