This Member Spotlight focuses on Jim Rothermich, MAI, ALC, ARA, out of Des Moines, Iowa. Jim serves as the Vice President at Iowa Appraisal while running "the Land Talker" and "Land Talk Weekly," both popular sources of information for anyone seeking to keep up with the latest land price information in Iowa.
How did you begin your career in agriculture?
As a youth, I was involved with my families grain & livestock operation. After graduating from Mizzou in 1988, my plans to go back to the family farm operation changed due to the vast numbers of acres going into the Conservation Reserve Program, which took out a lot of tillable acres in the area. At that time, there were few job opportunities due to the ongoing farm depression. I decided to move to southeast North Carolina and work for a hog producer with plans of massive growth & capital in hog production. This company is now known as Smithfield Foods. That is how I got my start.
What led you to create the Land Talker and Land Talk Weekly?
Becoming an appraiser is difficult. Even more difficult is getting your name out and generating business. When social media come about, I knew Twitter could be a very good marketing tool, and I needed a Twitter handle so I came up with "the Land Talker." I created the "Land Talk Weekly" blog for two reasons. First, to make consistent posts and develop a following, as I always knew consistency was important. Second, my blog is one week of land auction results, and I need the results to appraise. I am just sharing what I need for my job. It has become very popular.
Are you noticing any current trends in the land markets or for ag in general?
Market conditions from October 2020 to May 2022 were explosive. When COVID was just beginning, I would of never believed the land market would be where it is today. A new trend is the number of people wanting to own farmland. Owning land has always been a measure of status & wealth, and now our urban friends have caught on. Even professional athletes want in on owning land. COVID also changed how farms are sold in an instant. Owning farmland has a bright future, and I think the next generation of landlords will give more importance to soil health & sustainability.
Are there any details about your life outside of work that you'd like to share?
My wife is the Safety Manager at Smithfield Foods hog processing plant in Des Moines. We have 7 grandkids and spend most weekends in the summer boating, fishing & shooting. I also collect Browning shotguns & rifles & Case knives. I would like to get my pilots license in the future and look at farms from an airplane.