Land is one of those assets that never loses its value, even as time goes by. Unlike stocks, which can jump in any direction overnight, land often moves more slowly. However, for investors, this isn’t a deal-breaker. Quite the contrary. The steady pace gives them peace of mind that the money invested won’t be wasted and will always be there when they need it.
The statistics actually prove it. In the US, the real industry market is blooming and remains the primary sector driving the nation’s economic growth. By 2029, it’s expected to be valued at over $155 trillion, showing a growth rate of 3.31%. This number clearly shows us that land investments will continue to play a massive role in building long-term wealth.
Behind this growth stand major US land investment firms and stakeholders who know how to turn acres into opportunities. They connect investors with high-potential properties and ensure the land keeps its value year after year. Let’s dive into the top 10 firms that are actively shaping U.S. infrastructure and are worth knowing for anyone interested in investing in land.
10 Leading Land Investment Firms in the United States of America
Below is the list of the ten major names that shape the industry and fuel the country’s economic growth. Read on to see which of the firms fits your goals, whether you’re after income, long-term appreciation, or a mix of both.
Sunset Land Investors
Sunset Land Investors tops our list of leading land investment companies in the US. They are a small company that specializes in rural land, farmland, and timberland across the country. Unlike the big players, they take a hands-on approach. The company tries to understand what investors are looking for and makes sure the property they find is exactly what they need.
What sets Sunset Land Investors apart is that they are not just flipping properties or holding onto them in the hopes of appreciation. Instead, they actively work on increasing the value of land by:
- Improving the soil quality;
- Making some developments;
- Revealing the future potential of each property.
To sum it up, for someone looking for a reliable firm that not only sells land but can actually hear what you need and is ready to tailor investments, Sunset Land Investors is a great place to start.
Gladstone Land Corporation
Another name worth mentioning is Gladstone Land Corporation. This name is well recognized in farmland investment. Headquartered in Virginia, the company focuses on buying and owning premium farmland across the US. In their portfolio, you’ll find fruit and vegetable farms, nut orchards, and berry fields — the land that feeds the nation.
Gladstone’s strategy is straightforward. They buy farmland and lease it to farmers, providing investors with steady income. As of today, they already have over 169 farms across more than 14 states, which cover thousands of acres.
This business model is simple but highly profitable. More importantly, it’s always in demand. If you’re interested in starting a business in agriculture but don’t want the hassle of running a farm yourself, Gladstone Land Corporation gives you a perfect launching pad.
Farmland Partners Inc.
As it’s easy to decipher from the name, Farmland Partners exclusively focuses on agricultural land investment. According to the latest data, the company manages over 190,000 acres of farmland across more than a dozen states. Their properties grow a wide range of crops, including:
- Corn,
- Soybeans,
- Rice,
- Cotton,
- Specialty produce.
The firm’s mission is to make land accessible to more people. By leasing their properties to farmers, they get a stable cash flow, which is then passed along to investors. The main secret of the company’s resilience is the diversity of crops they grow. If something doesn’t grow in one region, they always have more crops in other states.
If you like the idea of having crops spread across several regions to avoid risks, partnering with Farmland Partners would be the right move.
The Molpus Woodlands Group
When talking about land investment firms, we couldn’t pass by the Molpus Woodlands Group. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Mississippi, it’s a large name in the timberland investment space. And while timber may sound like a thing of the past, it remains one of the most dependable land assets. Now, who manages the most acres of timberland in the US? Molpus.
What makes timberland unique is that its value increases both due to the natural appreciation of the land and the trees themselves. Molpus is well aware of that, which is why they invest heavily in harvesting timber and ensuring it remains productive for future generations. For investors looking to benefit from both land and the sale of timber products, they offer the best deals.
Hancock Natural Resource Group (HNRG)
Hancock Natural Resource Group, which in 2021 adopted the Manulife Investment Management brand, is a major player in both farmland and timberland investments. They manage millions of acres worldwide, making them a global leader and the strongest influencer in the US.
Essentially, they do what other land investment firms do, but with sustainability in mind. Their farmland produces:
- Wine grapes,
- Almonds,
- Apples,
- Crops,
- Vast resources of timber.
Besides just owning land, the firm improves it, increasing its value. They focus on conservation, water management, and renewable energy opportunities tied to land use.
AcreTrader
A new face in land investing, AcreTrader has already made a name for themselves. Founded in 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the company is all about making farmland investing as simple as buying shares online. Traditionally, you’d need to have millions to purchase a farm, but with AcreTrader’s online marketplace, anyone interested can buy fractional shares and get profits.
The company carefully vets each farm before listing it. All their properties are either well-developed or have strong potential to turn into top-tier assets. The best thing is, they also take the burden of managing the land off investors’ shoulders. All you’re left to do is enjoy the returns, whether or not you know much about the agriculture market.
Westchester Group Investment Management
Another long-standing farmland investment firm worth being featured in this list is Westchester Group. The company’s been in the market since 1986. During this time, it has acquired over 2 million acres of farmland worldwide, with a large portion in the US.
The company leases its land to farmers on a long-term basis. They also take a sustainability approach, ensuring their land grows diverse crops. From corn and soybeans to almonds and apples, Westchester isn’t putting all eggs in one bag. This diversification helps the company manage risk and gives investors confidence that no downturn will hit them too hard.
Rayonier Inc.
Rayonier, founded in 1926, is a real estate investment trust specializing in timberland. This Florida-based company owns and manages approximately 2.7 million acres of timberland in the US and New Zealand.
The firm’s scale and long history make it one of the most influential players in the timber sector. They not only grow forests but also use wood for construction, paper, and other industries, while making sure the forests remain healthy for the future. For investors looking to tap into the timberland market and partner with a big name, Rayonier is the right destination.
UBS Farmland Investors
Part of UBS Asset Management, UBS Farmland Investors has been around for more than 45 years. They own more than a thousand acres of US high-quality farmland that grows permanent and row crops.
What sets UBS apart is their deep financial background. Combined with their land expertise, this gives them a distinct advantage over many other firms. They don’t just invest in farmland. They incorporate it into a larger asset, giving investors the ability to spread their money and have peace of mind.
CatchMark Timber Trust
Last but definitely not least, it’s CatchMark Timber Trust. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Georgia, this company owns and manages timberland. It’s not as big as some other timber investment firms, but this doesn’t detract from its strengths. Though small, the company is well known for its smart acquisitions and one of the most efficient land management practices.
CatchMart Timber Trust focuses on acquiring high-quality and productive forests in the US South, a region known for fast-growing trees and strong timber markets. The team benefits from both the sales of timber products and land appreciation.
Final Words
To bring it to the end, investing in land is a long game. Whether you’re after dividend-like income from farmland, the benefits of conservation buyers, or the timber returns, there’s the right firm out there for you.
In our top list, we’ve put together some of the most prominent names in land investment that stand out. Make sure you understand what you want the land to do for your portfolio, choose wisely, and see how acres truly work for you!
